One of the contributing factors that led Sri Lanka to undergo EU ban on fish exports was the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by Sri Lankan fishers. The government then in rule and fishers in Sri Lanka ignored the warnings of EU that instructed Sri Lanka to prevent IUU fishing and eventually it was resulted in a ban imposed against Sri Lankan fish exports.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) accepting an invitation made by Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mahinda Amaraweera has decided to initiate an awareness raising programme for a span of one year regarding the measures to be taken in preventing IUU fishing with a view to averting re-imposing of such a ban on Sri Lankan fisheries.

Opening session of this programme is scheduled to be commenced on 28th Sep at the Galle Face Hotel under the patronage of Minister Amaraweera.

Multiple organizations namely FAO, EU and IOTC hugely attempt in preventing illegal fishing activities since it adversely affect livelihoods and welfare of the fisher community. Hon Minister states that all of these organizations have consented in extending their support to Sri Lanka.