State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dilip Wedaarachchi said in Parliament today that the fisheries industry should be taken forward with new technology while safeguarding the dignity of the fishermen. Speaking at the committee stage budget debate on the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, the State Minister said a large amount of work will be done to develop the aquaculture industry. The Minister highlighted that Rs. 200 million has been allocated to develop Gandara and Welimankada fisheries harbors. The ‘blue – green’ budget has allocated funds to purchase new vessels and a program has been proposed to provide small cold room facilities to the fishermen, the Minister pointed out adding that a good price can be obtained for the fisheries products through these measures. It has been proposed to provide life jackets to the fishermen and life boats after several fishermen died in the last storm. The State Minister said the community-based management should be continued in the industry. The budget has allocated a large sum for the development of the aquaculture. The government has allocated Rs. 808 million in 2016 to develop the freshwater aquaculture. The next year’s budget has allocated Rs. 2.435 billion for aquaculture, he said. State Minister Wedaarachchi emphasized that fisheries industry should be taken forward in line with the developing technology and digital technology should be used in the fish trade. He noted that the marine resources can generate economic growth in every sector. The State Minister stressed that the Ministry should take measures to ensure the safety of the fishermen and the industry.
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