The per capita fish consumption has also increased by 38 per cent during the last two years, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senarathne said.
The minister was addressing the 18th Annual Scientific Session of the Sri Lanka Association for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (SLAFAR) at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute recently, reports DailyNews.
“In 2009, the per capita fish consumption was only 11.4 kg. It increased to 15.7 kg within the last two years,” the minister said.
“Measures are in place to increase the per capita fish consumption to 22 kg within the next few years,” he added.
“We have embarked on a fast track fisheries development programme,” he said.
The total fish production which stood at 340,000 metric tons in 2009 has risen by over 100,000 metric tons in 2011 to reach a total fish production of 445,000 metric tons.
“Measures are in place to increase fish production to 590,000 metric tons by next year,” the minister said.
“Today’s consumer expectations are diverse. Modern day consumer looks not only for quality but also for attributes such as convenience and ease of preparation, safety and wholesomeness, value for money, packaging, presentation and many other things,” he said.
Therefore, manufacturers have to ensure that production and manufacturing standards meet international expectations in terms of food safety, traceability, environmental integrity, social responsibility and labour regulations,” Minister Senarathne said.
SLAFAR chairman Dr S Jayakody, Joint Secretary Dr M Ganehiarachchi, Joint Secretary Sharmila Corea and Prof E Vivekanandan from Madras Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, India also participated.
