A discussion between Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and Indian Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey was held on 23.09.2023 at the Fisheries Ministry Auditorium regarding the development of the fisheries sector between India and Sri Lanka.

Joining in this discussion, Indian Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey said that there exists a long-term friendship between India and Sri Lanka and the Indian government has helped Sri Lanka on many occasions and said that the team of Indian fisheries scientists will provide the necessary support to develop Sri Lanka's fisheries sector.  He said that necessary advice and technical assistance can be given in the sectors of farming sea urchins, crabs, shrimps and ornamental fishes in particular. It was also stated that India can help Sri Lanka in technical matters in the construction of hatcheries and the areas with potential for aquaculture farming in Sri Lanka including North and East will be investigated and necessary assistance will be provided.

Dr. Lochana Weerasinghe, the senior expert who spoke here, said that he would show the suitable places for aquaculture to the delegation and detail them on necessary aspects.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, said that the support provided by the Government of India for the development of the fishing industry in Sri Lanka will further strengthen the friendship between the two countries and that the representatives of the two countries should work together to successfully complete this undertaking. Also, the minister said that since this is a long-term project, he expects the help of the Indian government to develop the fisheries sector as well as other sectors, and requested the Indian government to provide with the necessary support.

A group of officials including the Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries Ms. Indu Rathnayake, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Mr. Susanta Kahawatta, Adviser to the Minister Prof. Navaratne Raja, heads of NARA and NAQDA were in this occasion.