Increase in fish exports

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said there is an increase in Sri Lanka's fish exports from last year.

He told Parliament that the country had exported 43,063 metric tons of fish and fish products from 2012 up to June this year.

The island exported 18,333 metric tons of fish and fish products in 2012 and exports have increased to 24,430 during the first six months of 2013.

The Minister presented these figures in response to a question by United National Party Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayaka.

He further noted that Sri Lanka had exported 1,078 metric tons of prawns in 2012 and 1,510 metric tons up to June this year. Sri Lanka has also exported 119 metric tons of lobsters last year and 160 metric tons in the first six months of 2013.

The statistics released by the Ministry has noted that in 2012, the island had exported 1,557 metric tons of crabs, which had increased to 2,760 metric tons during the first six months of 2013. According to Dr. Senaratne, Sri Lanka exports fish and fish products to 32 countries across the world including countries in the EU, Asia, West Asia and South East Asia.