By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lanka loses approximately 40% of its annual fish production to post-harvest wastage, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has revealed, calling for urgent measures to improve efficiency, strengthen the fisheries industry and make fish more affordable for consumers.
With the country producing close to 400,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, the losses represent a significant challenge to food security, fishermen’s incomes and the availability of fish in the domestic market.
The issue was discussed at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (27) to review the 2027 Budget proposals relating to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, according to the President’s Media Division.
President Dissanayake stressed the need to transform the fisheries sector from a largely subsistence-based livelihood into a commercially oriented industry, supported by higher production, improved incomes for fishing communities and greater private-sector investment.
He instructed officials to prepare structured development plans focusing on increasing fish production, reducing post-harvest losses and improving the economic conditions of those engaged in the industry.
The meeting also examined measures to ensure that fish products reach consumers at reasonable prices, amid continuing concerns over the cost of living.
Modernising the fisheries industry
The introduction of technologically advanced vessels to expand deep-sea fishing was among the key proposals discussed, with the possibility of attracting private-sector investment to support the initiative also considered.
The President highlighted the importance of developing sustainable coastal infrastructure and implementing green port development projects to strengthen the sector’s long-term capacity.
Officials also reviewed the operational challenges facing the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation and the Peliyagoda Central Fish Market, including infrastructure requirements and opportunities to improve their performance.
Reducing post-harvest wastage emerged as a major concern, given the scale of losses relative to the country’s annual fish production. Improvements in handling, storage, transportation and distribution could help preserve more of the fish caught and reduce losses before products reach consumers.
Fisheries-specific loan schemes
The meeting also examined existing financial assistance programmes for the fisheries industry and difficulties encountered in implementing fisheries-related loan schemes.
President Dissanayake noted that the sector had characteristics distinct from those of other industries and instructed Ministry of Finance officials to develop appropriate, sector-specific criteria when formulating loan schemes.
The discussions also covered the promotion of aquaculture, the establishment of new centres and the progress of ongoing development initiatives.
In addition, the President directed officials to engage with the Mahaweli Authority to resolve land-related issues affecting freshwater fisheries.
The proposed measures form part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector through modern technology, improved infrastructure, targeted financial assistance and greater commercial participation.
However, addressing the estimated 40% post-harvest loss will be critical to translating increased production into greater market availability, better returns for fishermen and more affordable fish for consumers.
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