Beeta Aquarium excels at local and foreign ornamental fish fairs
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Beeta Aquarium
A Sri Lankan aquarium which won plaudits at a recent ornamental fish exhibition was founded by Mahinda Kularathna, the son of an unskilled worker, who converted his ornamental fish breeding hobby and decorating fish tanks during his childhood into an award winning business.
Beeta Aquarium, Boralesgamuwa won awards for the best ornamental fish trade stall and the best tank décor at the ‘Min Visithuru 2016’, an exhibition of ornamental fish, aquatic plants and accessories, held in Colombo recently. It was organised by the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka with the objective of increasing the export demand for ornamental fish and ornamental aquatic plants produced in Sri Lanka.
Local ornamental fish exporters displayed their creations in 100 stalls at the fair which included several programmes including one on persons who are interested in this sector. Mr. Kularathna began his business in a small way amidst many difficulties 24 years ago. He has climbed the ladder of success improving his enterprise through great commitment and sheer hard work. He said “amongst my customers, are government institutions and banks, private hospitals, tourist hotels and many other business ventures countrywide”. Decorating fish tanks with fresh water and see water plants, popularly known as plant tank décor has become his forte due to his enthusiasm and dedication in introducing innovations, he said, adding that he has won several international awards for his creations.
Mr. Kularathna noted that he has introduced novel fish tank arrangements to cater to the needs of his clients and is getting a monthly payment from hiring and marinating of ornamental fish tanks in public and private sector institutions. Beeta Aquarium, also won two awards at the Aquarama – 2015, 14th International Ornamental Fish and Accessories Exhibition held from May 28-31 at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre Hall in Singapore. He won the second and third prizes at this event described by the organisers as the “greatest aquatic exhibition on earth”. Beeta Aquarium has gained international acclaim for Sri Lanka in 2013 as well by winning the second prize in this exhibition in Singapore, which was the first-ever international award received by the country in an ornamental fish competition, he said.
(Bandula)