The Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda discussed with the officials of the ministry and NAQDA institute regarding the Strategic Plan prepared by the Ministry of Fisheries and National Aquatic Resources Development Authority on the instruction of the Minister to develop the Freshwater Fishing industry in 2024.
At the discussion, the Minister stated that 100 Million rupees had been allocated for the development of the main Fish breeding centers of Sri Lanka located at Udawalawa, Dambulla, Sevanapitiya, Rambodagalla, and Inginiyagala and instructed the officials to commence Fish Breeding Projects and to conclude ongoing projects very successfully as soon as possible.
The Minister further instructed the officials to take measures to prepare projects as soon as possible utilizing the 500 Million rupees allocated, especially for the Northern province through the last budget, and submit to him. Expressing further views, the Minister stated that President Ranil Wickremasinghe too hopes to develop the Freshwater Fish culture and earn a lot of foreign exchange for the country and he hopes that all the officials will act with dedication to fulfill the hopes of the President and he is prepared to provide all the facilities in this regard.
A group of officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Ms.Kumari Somarathne, Chairman of NAQDA Institute Prof. B. Wijerathne, Director General of NAQDA Mrs. Asoka, Director General of the Fisheries Department Mr. Susantha Kahawaththa attended this event.
