Key milestones achieved:
๐ฆ Launched the digital Shrimp Industry Information System (SIIS) using sensor tech
๐ฌ $128K in lab/IT gear provided to NAQDA
๐จโ๐พ Trained 450 farmers & 190 officials
Next up: Expanding this digital tech to crabs, seaweed & ornamental fish! ๐๐ฆ๐ฑ
Joined the concluding workshop of the @FAO & ๐ฐ๐ท-funded "Smart & Sustainable Aquaculture" project alongside Ambassador H.E. Miyon Lee. Modernizing our fisheries is vital to beat global competition, ensure food security & boost forex through high-quality exports! ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ค๐ฐ๐ท
The ocean is our lifeline. The data gathered over these 32 days provides us with a scientific 'map' for the future. Amidst ecological uncertainties, this is our strongest tool to make evidence-based policy decisions to protect our fisher communities and marine ecosystems. ๐๐๐
Welcomed the 'Dr. Fridtjof Nansen' research vessel back to Colombo Port after 32-day marine research mission in our EEZ! Proudly partnered with Norway, @FAO & NARA to assess fish stocks, monitor ecosystems & study climate impacts. ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ด๐ข #MarineResearch
Pleased to participate in the official launch of the Maldivian "Fasmeeru" Tuna brand in the Sri Lankan market, held in the presence of the President of Maldives, H.E. @MMuizzu. This strategic partnership between MIFCO and DICL marks a significant milestone in ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป trade relations
This award reflects the Presidentโs deep respect for Tamil literature & his commitment to national unity. The event was further graced by TN BJP former President @annamalai_k as a special guest. The overwhelming public reception for our President was truly moving!
Delighted to attend the Colombo #KambanVizha2026 alongside Hon. President @anuradisanayake. Heartiest congratulations to H.E. on receiving the prestigious "Kamban Pugazh Virudhu 2026"! A historic moment as he becomes the first Sinhalese leader to receive this honour.
Met Maldives HC @MasoodImv ahead of the Maldivian President's upcoming visit. We discussed boosting fisheries ties by combining ๐ฒ๐ป's fresh fish with ๐ฑ๐ฐ's canning expertise, and initiating direct exports to Maldives to bypass middlemen!
To support our fishing, seafood processing & aquaculture industries, we've launched a dedicated 24/7 Help Line! ๐ข
If you face any fuel supply issues for your boats or daily operations, please report them immediately to ๐ 0114323389
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Despite global challenges, our Govt will never abandon the people. By cutting excessive ministerial perks, vehicles & privileges, we are redirecting public funds straight to citizen welfare and transparent relief. We remain committed to a clean political culture! ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ค
Yesterday in Chilaw, we advanced our Rs. 865.79M national 'Ditwa' relief program. In stage one, I handed over 2 new boats (out of 11), canoes, 14 repaired boats & new gear via Cey-Nor. We also announced 3% low-interest loans up to Rs. 25M for affected shrimp farmers! ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ค
Ending a nearly 10-year delay! Yesterday (23rd), I officially handed over appointment letters to 10 new Assistant Directors at the Dept of Fisheries. I urged them to champion our Govt's vision for a corruption-free public service & protect our fishing communities. ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐
For our 30,000 day & small boats, fuel is supplied via ~100 registered stations on officers' recommendations. Boats get 25L/day, issued once every 5 days. We are also prioritizing fuel support for remote fishing communities like Delft Island & Baththalangunduwa! ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐คโฝ
Despite Wednesday public holidays, our Fisheries essential services (harbors, BIA, VMS) will operate 24/7! We've also rolled out a formal fuel distribution plan for all fishing boats & factories to ensure uninterrupted operations. We remain committed to our fishers! ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐
Visited Valaichchenai Fishery Harbour on 11th. To boost Eastern Province fisheries, we've allocated Rs. 1300M for its full development, starting Phase 1 immediately with Rs. 400M for vital infrastructure. Discussed upgrades & fisher needs. Committed to modernizing our harbours!
Met with Norwegian Consul Sturle H. Pedersen ahead of my April visit. Investor confidence in ๐ฑ๐ฐ is strong! We discussed boosting our Blue Economy through ocean research, maritime innovation, modernizing fleets, and tech-driven PPP investments in fisheries. ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ค๐ณ๐ด
On the 11th, I visited Batticaloa to support fishing communities affected by Cyclone 'Ditwa'. We provided Rs. 26.9M in relief: 72 canoes, 2 boats, 1,318 nets & repaired 14 boats via Cey-Nor & NAQDA. The NPP Govt is committed to rebuilding livelihoods & modernizing fisheries!