The Ministry of Fisheries announced on Tuesday (23 Dec) that the initial estimate of damage caused to the fisheries sector by the recent floods has exceeded Rs. 7,649 million.
In response, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, unveiled a comprehensive recovery plan to provide immediate relief and long‑term support for rebuilding the industry.
Addressing a special media briefing alongside senior officials of the Ministry, the Minister explained the scale of destruction, stating that the aquaculture sector, a major foreign exchange earner, suffered the heaviest loss, estimated at Rs. 5,850 million, mainly affecting ornamental fish, shrimp, and sea crab industries.
He further said that losses in the coastal fisheries sector were estimated at Rs. 1,799 million.
“Our nation has faced a massive natural disaster, yet the unwavering determination of our people, especially those in the fisheries sector, gives us hope,” Minister Chandrasekar said. “This government is committed not only to restoring what was lost but also to rebuilding the industry stronger and more advanced than before. It must be noted that the Ministry’s early warnings helped prevent a greater loss of life.”
Following discussions with the President, the following comprehensive recovery plan was announced:
Vessel Replacement and Repairs:
- For 13 multi‑day and one‑day vessels completely destroyed, in addition to insurance compensation, owners will be directed to low‑interest loan schemes introduced by the government, enabling them to build new vessels at their preferred locations.
- For all coastal vessels completely destroyed, insurance compensation will be directed to the C‑NOR institution, which will provide new vessels.
- All partially damaged vessels (coastal and inland) will be repaired free of charge by C‑NOR at their respective locations, funded by the government.
Support for Fishermen’s Gear:
- Coastal fishermen whose nets were destroyed (1,205 individuals) will receive vouchers worth up to Rs. 100,000.
- Inland fishermen (around 6,000 individuals) will receive assistance worth up to Rs. 75,000.
Assistance for Aquaculture:
- Small‑scale shrimp farmers will be provided free post‑larvae (PLs) for the first crop.
- Fish stocking in 699 affected tanks will be re‑established for up to two cycles.
- The National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka will provide new broodstock to ornamental fish producers.
Financial Facilities:
- Medium and large‑scale enterprises engaged in export industries such as shrimp and ornamental fish (processing centres, ice factories) that suffered severe damage will be directed to low‑interest loan schemes through state banks for rebuilding.
Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Kithsiri Dharmapriya, noted that this was the largest destruction to the inland fisheries industry since the tsunami. “The total damage to aquaculture alone is estimated at Rs. 5.85 billion. Of this, Rs. 3.4 billion was suffered by export‑oriented industries such as ornamental fish, shrimp, and sea crabs. The remaining Rs. 2.4 billion loss in the inland fisheries sector has had a direct impact on national food security,” he said.
Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatta, commenting on the extent of damage and response mechanism, said: “We are implementing a structured four‑stage process: damage mitigation, data collection and assessment, provision of short‑term relief, and execution of a long‑term rebuilding plan. Preliminary data show that in the coastal sector alone, more than 300 vessels were completely destroyed and over 400 partially damaged.”
Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa confirmed that a five‑member committee is already validating all damage assessment reports, and that aid distribution will be carried out transparently and swiftly. He further emphasized that the Ministry is fully committed to overcoming this crisis and building a stronger, more resilient fisheries sector for the future. (Newswire)