Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries said it plans to revise the fisheries act after consultation with stakeholders and field experts. “A collaborative approach is taken to seek expert opinions and improve the draft of the new amended Act on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said at a briefing at the presidential media centre (PMC) on Wednesday (12).

He also called for support from domestic and foreign private investments to further boost the marine industry. Devananda highlighted key initiatives aimed at bolstering the fishing community including promoting use of battery motors for fishing boats to reduce production costs.

The Ministry of Fisheries was allocated 8,400 million rupees in the 2024 budget, passed this week. “Of that 6,077 million rupees is allocated for capital expenditure and 2,323 million rupees for recurrent expenditure.”

“Sri Lanka’s fisherfolk will be equipped with latest technology to conduct their industry efficiently,” Piyal Nishantha de Silva, Minister of State for Fisheries said on Friday (15) announcing an event to be held in conjunction with Fisherman’s Day in Guru Nagar, Jaffna on December 18-19.