The Government is exploring the possibility of transforming selected fisheries harbours into green ports, with feasibility studies currently underway to assess their potential, while budgetary allocations for the initiative are expected to be announced next year (2027).
Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry Secretary Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa said that fish products accompanied by certifications confirming environmentally friendly harvesting practices receive greater attention and fetch higher prices in export markets. He said that the green ports concept is expected to encourage buyers to pay higher prices for fish harvested through environmentally sustainable practices.
"For this, measures such as reducing fuel consumption and shifting towards battery-operated boats will be taken. Budgetary allocations for developing harbours as green ports next year have been made and will be announced later. At the moment, we’re conducting feasibility studies. We’ll not be able to transform all our harbours into green ports, but we’ll look at developing as many as we can," he said.
He further said that several criteria must be met for a harbour to qualify as a green port, adding that the Ministry is currently assessing the potential of the existing harbours, the improvements required and the associated costs. "We’re looking into the potential of our harbours, what needs to be fixed and how much we’ll have to bear for it," he said.
The initiative comes amid declining profit margins among fishermen due to several factors, including quality losses in fish harvests and declining catches. Through the proposed project, the Government aims to help the fishing community secure better prices for its products.
A green port is a seaport or harbour that adopts clean technologies, renewable energy and environmentally friendly practices to reduce air, water and carbon pollution while supporting maritime activities and trade. The concept has been introduced to Sri Lanka by the European Union as an approach towards promoting an environmentally sustainable and economically viable fisheries industry.