Record income from fish export

Anushika Ranadewa

Sri Lanka earned a record Rs 26.393 million income through the export of fish in 2012, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

The minister at a special discussion at the ministry said compared to the figure in 2011 this was an increase of 21 percent.

The earnings from fish exports gradually increased from 2010 which was Rs 19, 834 million and Rs.21, 876 in 2011, he said.

Dr Senaratne said there is a notable decrease in the import of fish products during the last few years.

"The figure which was 80,013 metric tons in 2010 decreased to 71,413 metric tons last year which amounted to a 13 percent drop," he said.

The minister said the ministry is looking forward to the local production of dried fish and Maldive fish and encourages the setting up of fish canning factories.

"The ministry's aim is to increase this income to Rs 50, 000 million in the near future," he said.