The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources development has decided to establish a fish processing manufactory with latest technology for fish export purposes. The manufactory is to be established according to a proposal of Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development will be located in the CFC premises in Mattakkuliya. This will cost basically an amount approximate to 75 million and it will be granted by the General Treasury.

Fish processing industry in Sri Lanka is currently implemented successfully in a backdrop where EU fish ban was lifted and 32 non-functioning fish processing manufactories were re-opened which provide employment to a significant number of persons. Sri Lanka processes fish especially for Sushi and Sashimi, two popular Japanese dishes and it is highly popular in the international market. A kilogram of processed fish is generally sold to a high price of Rs 10,000.

Even though Sri Lankan fish products are highly demanded in the global market we are able to satisfy only 35% of the total demand. Thus, CFC’s approach to the fish processing industry will facilitate the supply of high-quality fish to the international market while giving the fisher community an opportunity to get a high price for their fish harvest.

Minister after an observation visit to the site of the proposed manufactory, instructed the Chairman of CFC to complete the constructions within the forthcoming 6 months. Fish export income of Sri Lanka in last year was recorded to be 1200 million and a three-fold increase is expected in this year, said the Minister.