Posted on April 27, 2010 by Kalani

By Sunil S. Thanthriarachchi

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said he would implement an effective plan to prevent poaching in the Sri Lank’s waters and establish a fish auction centre in Sri Lanka.

Addressing a gathering at the Kalutara Bodhi where Rajitha Senaratne attended religious observances after being sworn-in his new portfolio the minister said he had fulfilled his responsibilities of all the ministries that came under him earlier to the satisfaction of the masses.

“Several institutions that were on the verge of collapse were turned into profit-making ventures bringing colossal revenue to the government. Today I am in charge of one of the vital areas of economy.  The Government had allocated Rs. 9,000 million for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources last year.

I am planning to give a new impetus to the Fisheries Village.  Foreign trawlers that enter the Sri Lankan waters exploit our fishing resources depriving the country of a large amount of foreign exchange.

I am determined to prevent this illegal activity.  I have had friendly relations with India for more than 20 years.  I am hopeful that I would be able to implement an effective programme to prevent the arrest of Sri Lankan fishermen and to secure the release of fishermen already in custody of the Indian authorities,” he said.

He further said that he would inaugurate canned fish factories in several areas of the country to cut down the import of canned fish to a minimum level and develop freshwater fishery.

The Chief Incumbent of Wijemanna Buddhist Centre in Nagoda Dambuluwana Sumangala Thera, Chairman of the Western Provincial Council Ranjith Somawansa, Deputy Director of the Children’s Hospital Dr. Sujatha Senarathe were present on the occasion.

TUESDAY, 27 APRIL 2010 00:00