Divi Neguma, a boon to the poor

Ridma Dissanayake

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne releasing the fingerlings into a pond in Shannon estate, Hatton

The Divi Neguma national development programme implemented by the Economic Development Ministry has helped uplift the living standards of persons in urban and rural areas while reducing poverty, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

The fisheries industry plays a major role in the Sri Lankan economy. The Fisheries Ministry has paid more attention on the inland water fisheries industry to uplift the livelihood of rural areas. The Divi Neguma development programme also helps develop the inland water fisheries sector, he said.

"Vast development is witnessed in the Sri Lankan inland fisheries sector. It has become one of the most important sectors in the Divi Neguma programme. It contributes to eradicate poverty and malnutrition," the minister said after participating in an inspection tour in Ginigath Hena Aquaculture Farming Centre, Hatton. He also opened 74 new inland water fish ponds in Shannon estate, Hatton. The government spent around Rs 3.5 million for this project.

The minister released a large number of fingerlings to the newly opened inland water fish ponds. He urged inland water fish industrialists to help eradicate poverty and malnutrition from Sri Lanka while contributing for the country's economy through the inland water fish industry.