Though more and more people in the North and East are taking to fishing and production is increasing, the produce is not reaching Colombo in time due to bad road conditions and transportation taking long time.
These comments were made by Neil Fernando, Chairman, Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka (GTE) Ltd (BBTI), on the sidelines of a press conference to announce the Boat Show – 2012 to be held in Colombo next year.
On the industry itself, he said that they are building boats for various aid organizations that are used by north and east fishermen. Those who have lost employment and those who do not take up agriculture in these areas are taking to fishing.
The Boat Show 2012, to be held on the May 18- 20, 2012 at the BMICH has been identified as South Asia’s International Boat Exhibition. It would provide an opportunity for the participants to share most modern technologies in fishing and sailing and avail an opportunity to network and familiarize with key players within different segments of the industry. At this exhibition there would be suppliers of leisure, pleasure, industrial and commercial, fishing vessels, material, engines, interior fixtures, fittings, electric and electronic devices, water sports gear and equipment and everything connected to the industry.
Speaking at the press conference, Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce said the fisheries industry is making good progress in the export market and the country this revenue to go up to US$1billion by 2020.
He said the BBTI is an important institute that provides support to the boat building industry. He noted that Boat Show 2012 is the only exhibition of this kind held in Sri Lanka and with its support the country is going ahead with 100% growth and the boat building industry is doubling year by year. He said that one of the advantages that Sri Lanka has is low labour cost. |
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