• Deputy Minister says saving lives takes priority, with action on species control to follow

There is a growing concern that the invasive 'Snakehead' fish species commonly known as Deduru Naya - currently found in the Deduru Oya, could spread to other water bodies in the country due to the river's overflow, it is learnt.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage, said the current flood situation makes the spread a possibility. However, he said that no immediate action could be taken to prevent it at the moment.

"In the prevailing situation, the Government's priority is focused on saving lives of the people. Therefore, we are not in a position to take action to address this particular issue at this moment. However, we will pay attention to it as soon as possible," he added. 

The Snakehead is recognised as a serious threat to Sri Lanka's domestic aquatic ecosystem and native fish stocks. This species multiplies rapidly and destroys local fish resources, severely impacting the livelihoods of fishing communities. The absence of natural predators in the local environment allows the fish to proliferate unchecked. Past measures by the authorities to control the population have included organising fishing competitions with cash prizes.

The National Aquacultural Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA) could not be reached for comment.