The fisher community has pointed out that the escalation of prices of squids which are being imported from China used as baits for long line fishing, has caused detrimental effects to deep sea fishing industry and hence the Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development has decided to launch a programme to cultivate milk Fish (Vekkaya) as an alternative measure.

The price of Squids of one Kg has increased by 03 to 05 Dollars at present. The fisher community held a discussion with Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development in that regard and accordingly the fisher community pointed out the possibility of using milk fish ( Vekkaya) as baits for long line fishing.

In this context, it has been planned to establish a milk fish farming centre at Bangadeniya in Divisional Secretariat of Arachchikattuwa and the NAQDA is expected to expend sum of Rs 100 Million for the first phase of the project.

The Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development stressed that the lands which are allocated for this programme are provided for development of the livelihood activities of the fishers who show willingness in joining the programme and also the Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development is prepared to provide the requisite technical support and facilities for marketing together with financial assistance.