The Ministry of Fisheries announced on 23rd of December that the initial estimate of damage to the fisheries sector due to the recent floods has exceeded Rs 7,649 million.
In response, the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, announced a comprehensive recovery plan to provide immediate relief and long-term support to rebuild the industry.
Addressing a special media briefing, the Minister, along with senior officials of the Ministry, explained the extent of the devastation. The aquaculture sector, which is a major foreign exchange earner, has suffered the largest loss of Rs. 5,850 million, mainly affecting the ornamental fish, shrimp and sea cucumber industries. The loss in the saltwater fisheries sector is estimated as Rs. 1,799 million.
"Even as our nation faces a massive natural disaster, the unwavering determination of our people, especially those engaged in the fisheries sector, gives us hope," said Minister Chandrasekar. "This government is committed not only to restoring what was lost, but also to building this industry to a stronger and more prosperous future. It must be said that the early warnings issued by our ministry helped to prevent a greater loss of life."
Following discussions with His Excellency the President, the following comprehensive recovery plan was announced:
*Vessel Replacement and Repair:*
The 13 multi-day and one-day (I-Day) vessels that were completely destroyed will be provided with an opportunity to construct a new vessel at a place of their choice by referring them to the low-interest loan schemes introduced by the government, in addition to the insurance compensation due to them.
For all other, completely destroyed sea vessels, after the insurance compensation has been transferred to the Cey-Nor Institute, arrangements have been made to provide a new vessel by that institution.
All partially damaged vessels (saltwater and inland), have been repaired free of charge by the Cey-Nor Institute at the same place at the cost of the government.
Support for the Fishing gear: 1,205 saltwater fishermen whose nets were damaged will receive a voucher worth up to Rs. 100,000, and nearly 6,000 freshwater fishermen will receive a grant worth up to Rs. 75,000.
Support for aquaculture: Small-scale shrimp farmers will be provided with free post-larvae (PLs) for the first season. NAQDA will restock fish in 699 damaged tanks up to two seasons and provide new broodstock to ornamental fish producers.
Financial Facilities: The Ministry is taking steps to provide low-interest loan schemes through state banks to rebuild medium and large-scale enterprises (processing centers, ice plants), especially those engaged in export industries such as shrimp and ornamental fish, which have been severely damaged.
The Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority, Kithsiri Dharmapriya, pointed out that this is the biggest devastation to the freshwater fisheries industry since the tsunami. "The total damage to the aquaculture sector alone is estimated as Rs. 5850 million. Out of this, a damage of Rs. 3400 million has been occurred to the export-oriented industries such as ornamental fish, shrimp and sea cucumbers. The remaining loss of Rs. 2400 million in the freshwater fisheries sector has also had a direct impact on the country's food security," he said.
Commenting on the extent of the damage and the response strategy, Director General of the Fisheries Department, Susantha Kahawatte, said, "We are implementing a four-phased approach. This includes damage mitigation, data collection and assessment, providing short-term relief and implementing a long-term plan to rebuild the industry. In the marine sector alone, preliminary data indicates that over 300 vessels have been completely destroyed and over 400 have been partially damaged."
Secretary to the Ministry Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa confirmed that all damage assessment reports are currently being verified by a five-member committee and that the distribution of aid is being done transparently and promptly. He added that the ministry is fully committed to overcoming this crisis and building a stronger and more resilient fisheries sector for the future.
The participants of this press conference were:
Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa - Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
Mr. Susantha Kahawatte - Director General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya - Chairman, National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA)
