The Ministry of Fisheries has introduced a strategic plan aimed at developing the freshwater and ornamental fishing industries in the Ratnapura District.
That was following a District Fisheries Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Embilipitiya Divisional Secretariat.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr Rathna Gamage.
During the session, those who are engaged in freshwater and ornamental fishery sectors presented the main challenges they face in areas such as fish breeding and export.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Gamage declared a comprehensive national programme targeting the transformation of the fisheries sector. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond the mere provision of financial assistance towards a formal national plan focused on sustainable development and access to the international market.
“The era of simply satisfying the producer is over. We are now implementing a national plan to take our industries, especially the ornamental fish industry, to the global level,” the Deputy Minister said. “Our goal is to increase Sri Lanka’s contribution to the global ornamental fish market from the current level of less than 1% to around 2%.”
Key initiatives announced by the Deputy Minister:
International Promotion: Boosting exports by attracting foreign purchasers and tourists, through the “Aqua Planet 2025 Sri Lanka” international exhibition scheduled for November.
Integrated Development: Implementing systematic development projects to productively utilize resources and prevent wastage by integrating the Ministry of Fisheries, Provincial Fisheries Ministries, and the Mahaweli Authority.
Social Welfare and Recognition: Introducing a new pension scheme for all fishing communities (marine, freshwater, and ornamental) on World Fisheries Day that falls on 21st of November. Moreover, introduce a new insurance scheme, and empower them as "fishing technicians" by improving the social and living standards of fishermen through cultural programmes.
Infrastructure Development: Giving priority to the infrastructure development in fishing villages in line with the overall growth of the fisheries sector through the budget 2026.
Following the meeting, the Deputy Minister visited the Udawalawa Reservoir, where he held direct discussions on the issues faced by the fishing community of the area, and assured that swift and sustainable solutions would be provided in collaboration with relevant authorities.
