Sri Lanka loses approximately 40% of its annual fish production to post-harvest wastage, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed during discussions on the fisheries sector, highlighting the need for urgent measures to minimise losses and improve the industry’s efficiency.
With the country producing close to 400,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, the estimated wastage represents a significant challenge to food availability, fishermen’s incomes and efforts to make fish more affordable for consumers.
The issue was discussed at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat today (27) to review the 2027 Budget proposals relating to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
President Dissanayake stressed that the government aims to transform the fisheries sector from a subsistence-based livelihood into a commercially oriented industry, with increased production, improved incomes for fishing communities and greater opportunities for investment.
He instructed officials to prepare structured plans for new development programmes, focusing on both expanding fish production and improving the economic conditions of those engaged in the industry.
The meeting also examined measures proposed by the Ministry to ensure that fish products reach consumers at reasonable and affordable prices, helping to ease the cost of living.
Focus on modernising the fisheries industry
Particular attention was given to introducing technologically advanced vessels to promote deep-sea fishing. The possibility of attracting private-sector investment to support the initiative was also discussed.
The President further highlighted the importance of developing sustainable coastal infrastructure and implementing green port development projects.
The current state of the fisheries industry, the operations of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation and the functioning of the Peliyagoda Central Fish Market were also reviewed, including operational issues and infrastructure requirements.
Fisheries-specific loan schemes
The meeting reviewed existing financial assistance programmes designed to support and promote the fisheries industry, alongside difficulties encountered in implementing fisheries loan schemes.
Noting that fisheries have characteristics distinct from those of other industries, the President instructed Ministry of Finance officials to establish sector-specific criteria when formulating loan schemes.
The promotion of aquaculture, the establishment of new centres and the current progress of the sector were also discussed.
In addition, the President directed officials to engage with the Mahaweli Authority to resolve land-related issues affecting freshwater fisheries.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Dr Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, and officials from the two ministries.
