Opening of “Min Daja Sevana”, the Regional Aquaculture Extension Centers Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

The National Aquaculture Development Authority, widening its services to the inland fisheries sector, to the people in the North Central Province , inaugurated two new District Aquaculture Extension Centers the “Min Daja Sevana” at Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura on 7 th and 8 th April 2007 respectively. The construction of these two extension centers was sponsored by the Aquatic Resource Development and Quality Improvement Project (ARDQIP), funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The opening of both centers at Polonnaruwa & Anuradhapura was inaugurated by Hon. Felix Perera, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Hon. Neomal Perera, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Hon. R.M.K.B Ratnayake the Minister of Fisheries, North Central Province, Mr. Jayantha Chandrasoma, the Project Director ARDQIP, Dr. D.E.M. Weerakoon, the Director General of NAQDA, and Mr. Nimal Chandraratne Director Coastal Aquaculture and Mr. R.A. Ranasinghe, Director Freshwater Aquaculture also participated in this event. Hon. Berty Premalal Dissanayake, the Chief Minister of North Central Province was also inuagrated with the opening of the Anuradhapura District Aquaculture Extension Office.

The “Min Daja Sevena” will provide many services to the fisheries community in the North Central Province to enhance their livelyhoods by:

•  Developing aquaculture operations with a view to increase fish production and fish consumption in the district

•  Creating employment opportunities through the development of freshwater aquaculture

•  Providing training on fisheries aquaculture

•  Introducing new technologies

•  Manage the aquatic resources and ensure sustainability

Opening of “Min Sevana”, the National Training Dormitory of the Ornamental Fish Breeding and Training Centre – Rambadagalla

The “Min Sevana” was opened on 9 th April 2007 at the Ornamental Fish Breeding and Training Centre Rambadagalla. The opening of “Min Sevana” was inaugurated by Hon. Felix Perera, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Hon. Antony Biyanwala, the Minister of Fisheries, North Western Province and Hon. R.D. Wimaladasa the Minister of Agricluture and Livelistock, North Western Province, Mr. Jayantha Chandrasoma, the Project Director ARDQIP, Dr. D.E.M. Weerakoon, the Director General of NAQDA, and Mr. Nimal Chandraratne, Director Coastal Aquaculture, Mr. R.A. Ranasinghe Director Freshwater Aquaculture also participated in this event.

Polonaruwa District Aquaculture Extension Office

Anuradhapura District Aquaculture Extension Office

Dormitory at Ornamental Fish Breeding and Training Centre Rambadagalla