By Sarah Hannan
State Minister for Ornamental Fish, Freshwater Fish, Shrimp Farming, Fisheries Harbour Development, Multi-Day Fisheries, and Fish Exports Kanchana Wijesekera has vowed to develop Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry, fisheries harbours, freshwater fisheries, and other export-oriented sectors, by first developing the fisheries harbours located in the coastal regions as well as inland fish farming facilities.
Speaking to The Morning, Wijesekera noted: “President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given us clear directives as to which areas need to be developed immediately. During the first phase, a new fishing harbour will be established in Gandara, while the fishing harbour in Puranawella in Devinuwara will be developed as a green harbour. The next step would be to expedite the development of all fishing harbours in the Northern Region.”
In addition, the Ministry is also extending its support and intervention to carry out such activities in all the other districts; projects will be executed in 15 districts where freshwater fish farming is practised.
The Government’s policy statement has listed that the country’s fisheries sector will be driven towards achieving self-sufficiency in fishery products to ensure food security while contributing to the national economy.
To achieve that goal, the Ministry of Fisheries will have to introduce a fisheries development plan to provide nutrition to people, to increase foreign exchange earnings, and to provide employment and livelihood opportunities by fulfilling the listed tasks:
State Minister for Ornamental Fish, Freshwater Fish, Shrimp Farming, Fisheries Harbour Development, Multi-Day Fisheries, and Fish Exports Kanchana Wijesekera has vowed to develop Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry, fisheries harbours, freshwater fisheries, and other export-oriented sectors, by first developing the fisheries harbours located in the coastal regions as well as inland fish farming facilities.
Speaking to The Morning, Wijesekera noted: “President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given us clear directives as to which areas need to be developed immediately. During the first phase, a new fishing harbour will be established in Gandara, while the fishing harbour in Puranawella in Devinuwara will be developed as a green harbour. The next step would be to expedite the development of all fishing harbours in the Northern Region.”
In addition, the Ministry is also extending its support and intervention to carry out such activities in all the other districts; projects will be executed in 15 districts where freshwater fish farming is practised.
The Government’s policy statement has listed that the country’s fisheries sector will be driven towards achieving self-sufficiency in fishery products to ensure food security while contributing to the national economy.
To achieve that goal, the Ministry of Fisheries will have to introduce a fisheries development plan to provide nutrition to people, to increase foreign exchange earnings, and to provide employment and livelihood opportunities by fulfilling the listed tasks:
- Introduce scientific methods to increase fish population in coastal areas
- Improve the environmental conditions in lagoons
- Modernise all existing fishery harbours and construct new fishery harbours if needed
- Develop the fishery harbour in Oluvil for the operation of large-scale boats
- Develop refrigeration systems using sea water for multi-day fishing craft and encourage the use of solar power
- Enable domestic fishing companies to expand fishing in international seas
- Develop facilities to construct and maintain large multi-day fishing craft in Trincomalee
- Build up all fishery harbours, anchorages, and landing sites with modern communication facilities, refrigeration, fuel supply, and sanitation facilities
- Introduce an interest-free loan scheme for innovations to improve the quality of fish catch throughout the value chain
- Provision of low-interest loans, tax benefits, insurance, consultancy, and market co-ordination assistance to develop inland and aquaculture fisheries
- Expand production of canned fish by providing facilities to private companies and entrepreneurs
- Develop a programme to involve women in the fishery-related household industry
- Develop a conflict settlement agreement with India in order to eliminate unauthorised fishing in northern and eastern seas and strengthen Navy and coastal guard units
- Commence a programme jointly with the fisheries community associations and the National Aquaculture Development Authority for the expanded breeding of both sea and freshwater fish
- Introduce a productive insurance scheme for the fishing community
- Implement a programme of technical and managerial training in fishery activities for the youth using the Ocean University
- Develop systems for the pricing of fish products so that both producer and consumer achieve a fair deal