President Ranil Wickremasinghe has appointed an expert committee under the leadership of Engineer Mangala P.B Yapa to submit recommendations with targets to transform the fisheries Industry as the main contributor to the National Economy assuring sustainability. Engineer Mangala P.B Yapa who was the former chairman of the Board of Investment, has been appointed as the Chairman of this committee.
Senior Scientist of NARA Institute Mrs. K.H. Bandaranayake has been appointed as the Secretary of this expert committee. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries Mr. Dhammika Ranathunga, Director General of the Fisheries Department Mr. Susantha Kahawaththa, Director General of NAQDA Institute Mrs. J.M. Asoka, Director General of NARA Institute Mr. Kamal Thennakoon and 13 experts from various sectors have been appointed to this committee. The introduction of the Strategic Framework drafted for the Fishery Industry that contributes to the National Economy, to the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda by this committee was held on 07-03-2024 at the Ministry of Fisheries.
Introducing the draft to the Minister, the Chairman of the expert committee Engineer Mr. Mangala P.B Yapa stated that the Fisheries sector provides a considerable contribution to the national economy, assuring the food security and livelihood of Sri Lanka, and 50% of the animal protein requirement is fulfilled through fish. This value is three times higher than the global average. However, currently, the Fisheries sector provides a medium contribution to the National Economy. The requirement of the local fish consumers cannot be fulfilled with the harvest of fish and the fisheries products of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, fish worth approximately 70 million US dollars should be imported, and nearly 300 million US dollars revenue earned by the export of fish targeting the European Union and selected countries from the Far East.
Sri Lanka has benefitted from the GSP+ concession. If this concession is suspended there is a risk of reduction of these benefits. Many people in the fishing community follow the traditional and customary methods of fishing. But their state of livelihood is not favorable. Small and undeveloped boats as well as fiberglass boats have been used for the ocean fishing industry. Although there are 24 fisheries harbours around the coastal stretch of Sri Lanka operated by the Government, these harbours are not up to the standard for the export market and are not equipped with modern technology to maintain hygienic conditions. Although the operation of aquatic culture, processing Tuna for export, and deep-sea fishing can be seen, the private investment in this sector is at a minimum level. In addition, many resources are being over-consumed, and it has become a challenge to the sustainability of the Marine Environment system. On the whole, this sector is at risk, and if an intensified involvement is not made, the sustainability of this sector will be uncertain.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda stated that President Ranil Wickremasinghe has a clear vision of the development of the country and has undertaken the country that was being destroyed due to the severe economic and social crisis. The president has made the country a favorable one, that was like a vehicle with unmoving wheels. The Minister also said that he believes this committee which was appointed to bring the local fishing industry to the International Level, would complete its task promptly, to enhance the contribution of the fisheries sector to the GDP (Constant)to be 1.6% by 2030 and provide guidance to earn 1 billion dollar annual income. Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Miss. Nayana Kumari Somarathne, Additional Secretary to the President Mrs. Chandani Wijewardana, and a group of senior officials attended the event.