(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Mahinda Amaraweera said exporters should take the responsibility to supply the highest quality seafood products to overseas markets as the competition for a share in the global market is high.
During a progress review meeting held at the Ministry today Minister Amaraweera has issued instructions to officials to ensure that fish products of high quality are exported.
He said the fisheries sector has gained the foremost position in the agriculture products export sector. The Ministry has been able to raise the overall export income in the fisheries sector this year by 44 percent.
A total of 18,202 metric tons of fish products had been exported this year earning an income of Rs. 28.685 billion. The exports of ornamental fish earned Rs 1.678 billion. Export of fish to European countries amounted to 5,197 metric tons. The revenue earned from it was Rs. 7.853 billion.
The Minister pointed out that there are number of countries that can compete with Sri Lanka supplying fisheries products to the world market and therefore, Sri Lanka has to strive to supply the best quality products to maintain demand for its seafood.
He said it would be possible to maintain stability in the demand for Sri Lanka�s fish products by exporting high quality products.
The Government will implement a massive program to direct the fishing community to a responsible fishing industry, he said adding that new technical equipment will be introduced to the fisheries industry to export best quality fish products in a responsible manner.
The Minister stressed that fishermen should be encouraged to maintain the industry according to international standards and also to adhere to international regulations.
