The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has asked the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) to begin experimenting with various seaweed based food items.

The instructions came under the directive of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

The Government Information Department reported that NARA has already produced a form of ‘low-sugar seaweed jelly’ that could be used by diabetes patients, was continuing experiments.

Although seaweed based food is consumed by many countries the trend is not prevalent in Sri Lanka, despite the health benefits – seaweed is rich with iodine and other nutrients.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mahinda Amaraweera has also asked NARA to increase awareness of the benefits of seaweed based food in Sri Lanka, to promote consumption.