The President instructed the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne that a method in this regard should be taken collectively by the fisher community, the Ministry and the Treasury.

The President made these suggestions at a meeting held at the Temple Trees on Friday to discuss problems faced by the fisher community The President said that through introduction of a guaranteed price for fish, many issues faced by the fisher community will get solved.

It was noted that Sri Lanka's fisheries industry has developed remarkably during the last few years and the industry has surpassed Thailand and Vietnam.

Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that the annual fish production of the country is nearly 67 thousand metric tons and the increase is due to special measures taken by the Ministry to develop it. It was also revealed that the monthly income received by aquatic industry has surpassed 10 billion rupees.

Minister Senarathna also apprised that the progress achieved in fresh water fisheries industry has contributed to strengthen rural economy. (kh/dn)