The government has made the largest ever allocation through its budget by granting to the tune of Rs.2.5 Billion, for the development of fish and aquatic resources in 116 lagoons and 10000 Reservoirs, Minister of Fisheries Mahinda Amaraweera said.
At a meeting, chaired by Minister Amaraweera focused on adapting measures as regards development and commercialization of non-traditional aquatic resources. He said that the main obstacle confronted by the trade was dwindling state of the resources alarmingly and hence the Government was determined to initiate alternative measures to restore and enhance the fisheries resources.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera further said that due to the fact that the countries across the world have taken measures to equip their fishing fleet with new technologies with the aim of accelerating their productivity, the quota for Sri Lankan fishing vessels engaged in distant fishing was restricted to 1615. However at present large number of fishing vessels have been laid aside in fishery harbours on account of declining state of marine resources he pointed out. He also stated that emphasis has to be laid towards development of aquatic resources in 116 lagoons and about 10000 reservoirs situated across the country.
In year 2015 inland fisheries has fetched fish harvest of 75000 M.T and in the mean time 77000 M.T of fish had been imported. Relaxation of tax on canned fish has led to create this situation. Therefore the Government has made moves to step up the production of fish and aquatic plants while the present government has made the largest ever allocation through its budget for the development of fisheries sector.
"Hence our Ministry is capable of launching a massive development programme to develop lagoons and aqua culture spheres during this year," Minister said.
He also emphasized that steps would be taken to encourage the public sector to make investments for the betterment of the trade and requested them to make contributions in possible manner.
The Constitutional Council has approved four nominees, proposed by the President, to fill vacancies in the Court of Appeal.
The Election Commission has announced the plan for leave for both public and private sector employees for the upcoming presidential election on September 21, 2024, without loss of salary or personal leave.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will reduce fuel prices with effect from midnight today.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe today called on ITAK’s Mavai Senathiraja at his residence in Jaffna today.
Leave Comments