The State Minister of Fisheries in Sri Lanka, Piyal Nishantha, has revealed plans for the establishment of a specialized investment zone in the northern region of the island nation, exclusively tailored to the fishing industry.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Minister Nishantha outlined that this strategic initiative is designed to attract investments in the fisheries sector, with the goal of fostering economic growth and creating substantial employment opportunities, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Scheduled for November 19-21, a series of programs will be conducted with a specific focus on the Northern Province, led by the Jaffna district. This coincides with World Fisheries Day, and Minister Nishantha emphasized that within the Jaffna district, various services provided by agencies affiliated with the Ministry of Fisheries will take center stage. These services include mobile fishing services, the issuance of fishing ID cards, registration of fishing boats, and resolution of communication issues related to fishing signals.
Nishantha stated, “Solutions will be delivered to these challenges directly within the local communities,” underscoring the community-centric approach of the initiative.
Highlighting a specific program, the Minister shared that a subsidy program for kerosene, aimed at supporting one-day fishing vessels, is being implemented for the second time. This subsidy program reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by those engaged in the fishing industry.
This ambitious plan not only signals a focused effort to boost the fishing sector but also emphasizes the importance of localized solutions and community involvement. Stay tuned for further developments on this key initiative shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry.