Fish is imported, despite enough at sea!

Apr 25, 2016

Fisheries and aquatic resources development ministry secretary Adhikari says importation of fish is unavoidable in a country which is having an open market economy.

She made the remark in response to questions posed by Lanka News Web with regard to the importation of fish unsuitable for consumption from countries such as Taiwan and Malaysia, which has adversely impacted the fisheries industry along the northwestern belt of the island.

She also said, “We cannot prevent the fish importation. What we can do is to impose certain limits. Also, on certain occasions, fish is imported for re-exportation. We are always working to safeguard fishermen of this country. For that, certain programmes will be launched,” she said.

However, Chilaw district fisheries organizations point out that 50,000 metric tons of fish were imported in 2014, followed by 150,000 mt in 2015 and 75,000 mt so far this year.