Minister Senaratne made the comment whilst participating in an inspection tour of the aquaculture centre in Dambulla which is under the purview of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), reports DailyNews.
"All arrangements are in place to develop the inland water fish industry and aquaculture farming this year. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has allocated a large sum of money to develop the fisheries industry. We hope to spend more on the development of the inland water fisheries industry," the minister said.
"A number of projects will be initiated in the future for this purpose. All these projects will help achieve all aims of the Sri Lankan fish industry," he said.
"All steps essential to solve the problems of the employees will also be taken in the next few months. The Fisheries Ministry is to launch a series of programmes with the aim of encouraging employees," the minister added.
NAQDA chairman Jayantha Chandrasoma, Director General Nimal Chandraratne and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) Director Dr Sam Samarasundara also participated.
Sri Lanka's Inland Fish Harvest to be Doubled by 2013
SRI LANKA - Steps will be taken to double the inland water fish harvest by 2013, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne.
by Lucy Towers
