The initial phase of the blue economy programme for which the 2026 budget has allocated Rs.100 million will commence in the first half of next year, Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry Secretary Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa said.
He was speaking at the Aqua Planet Sri Lanka -2025 International Exhibition launch at the Lotus Tower premises in Colombo.
“The fisheries industry should be improved. Modern technologies should be absorbed. Innovative ideas have come. Investment opportunities should be created. Relevant educational opportunities and extensive knowledge about research should be gained”.
“We should move towards the blue economy. For the first time, Rs.100 million has been allocated from the budget for this. This fund has been allocated for the initial phase of the project. The relevant work will begin next year.
There is marine resource throughout the country. However, the export income is not satisfactory. Therefore, steps are being taken to increase export income.
Appropriate contributions should also be made to meet the food needs of the people. Both food security and exports are important. Imports of canned fish have been restricted. There are many sectors in this sector, not just the fisheries industry. We were able to see them at this exhibition. Therefore, we should use marine resources and aquatic resources beneficially”, he said.
During the event, the 2025 Boat Census Report issued by the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme was presented to the Minister by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department Director S.J. Kahawatte yesterday.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to fishermen who had retired from the fishing industry in accordance with the law. In addition, officers who had served for more than 25 years in institutions operating under the Ministry were felicitated.
The event was attended by Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage, Commerce, Trade and Food Security Deputy Minister R.M.Jayawardena, Puttalam District Member of Parliament Ajith Gihan, Fisheries Ministry Secretary Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department Director S.J. Kahawatte, Ministry officials, foreign representatives and many others.
Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe was the chief guest on the third day of the exhibition yesterday.
