Launches a rapid recovery plan with industrialists
Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage, accompanied by a delegation, undertook an inspection tour on 04th December of the Chilaw area to assess the serious damage caused to the shrimp farming sector which is a major export industry in Sri Lanka, due to the recent floods, and to formulate a rapid and sustainable recovery plan.
The delegation, comprising of Puttalam District Parliamentarian Ajith Gihan, Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. B. K Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa and Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Kithsiri Dharmapriya, inspected the severely damaged shrimp farms, including a 25-acre large-scale farm, and also held crucial discussions with the Sri Lanka Aquaculture Development Association (SLADA).
According to initial estimates, a huge loss of over Rs. 5-6 billion has been caused due to the destruction of over 95% of the production units at the time of the main harvest in December just around the corner. This has confronted not only the farmers but also the entire supply chain, including hatchery owners and feed suppliers who provided services on credit, with a severe crisis.
Addressing the stakeholders on this occasion, Deputy Minister Gamage reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to rebuild this critical sector that generates foreign exchange and employment.
"This is a serious blow to one of our major export industries. The government is providing maximum support not only to restore but also to build this industry to a stronger and more sustainable level," the Deputy Minister said.
*Under the guidance of the Deputy Minister, a multi-phased recovery strategy was agreed upon:*
Immediate assessment of damage: Assess the damage and cost of each farm within a week by a joint committee which is comprising of NAQDA officials and SLADA representatives.
Phased implementation of production: Planning to classify farms according to the extent of damage and schedule to resume operations in the least damaged farms from January, while the remaining farms will be rehabilitated and begin operations in February and March.
Financial and technical assistance: Government intervention to provide financial relief mechanisms and technical assistance to affected farmers, hatchery owners and feed suppliers.
Chairman of NAKDA, Kithsiri Dharmapriya urged the industrialists to support the recovery process by providing accurate data. This joint approach was unanimously agreed by all parties, marking a decisive step towards a speedy and sustainable revival of the shrimp industry.
