Ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka presently
earns substantial foreign exchange (Rs. 540 Mn. in 2001) and has also
provided job opportunities for reasonable number of people too. However,
this level of achievement can be considered as modest compared with the
opportunities available in a rapidly growing global market of over US$
3 Bn for ornamental fish and related accessories in which the local share
is negligible. Therefore, this industry can be expected to contribute
far greater advantage to Sri Lanka’s economy than at present, by harnessing
the vast and varied resources available in the country.
Recognizing this vast potential, NAQDA has already commenced a program
to help local entrepreneurs by providing co-ordinative and facilitative
services. Under this program, NAQDA organized the Min Visithuru 2002 exhibition
in December 2002, which was a great success. The Authority, with the collaboration
of the industry, is currently organizing the Min Visithuru 2003 too with
the expectation that it will be upgraded to an international event in
future.
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However, the capacity of NAQDA in providing
such services is limited largely due to lack of necessary infrastructure,
which is essential to carry out such a facilitative role. Presently there
is no single breeding or rearing facility for ornamental fish available
in any of the five Aquaculture Development Centers (AQDC) maintained by
NAQDA. Therefore establishment of necessary breeding and rearing facilities
for ornamental fish in NAQDA is an essential pre-requisite to enhance
the role of the Authority for assisting the ornamental fish industry in
the country. |
