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New Govt. in choppy seas over fishery exports to Europe
View(s):With the proposed ban by the European Union (EU) on imports of fisheries products coming into effect next Wednesday, the new government will seek ways to tackle the ban in future, a spokesman for President Maithripala Sirisena said.
Dr Rajitha Senaratne, former minister of fisheries, said that the new government will look into this issue and take necessary action to address the situation.
A spokesman attached to the European Commission told the Sunday Times that EU Member States must refuse the importation into the EU, of fishery products from Sri Lanka. This decision enters into force on January 14 and applies only to fishery products.
“The Commission has also proposed to the Council, to list Sri Lanka as “a non-cooperating country,” which the Council must decide on,” he said.
“As with all other third world countries, the Commission will continue its dialogue with Sri Lanka – even after the identification – to rectify the situation,” he said.
According to the European Commission, Sri Lanka was one of the biggest exporters of fishery products to the EU in 2013, which was worth $94 million.