FAO DG hails Lankan achievements

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne met Director General of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Josè Graziano da Silva, on June 10 during the 31st Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries, held at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Fisheries Ministry Spokesman Narendra Rajapaksa told the Sunday Observer.

During the discussion Minister Senaratne commended the Director General of FAO for initiating a wide range of result-oriented programs for many countries including Sri Lanka.

The Director General also requested the Minister to identify priority areas for follow up action, the Spokesman said. The Director General acknowledged Sri Lanka's active role in the fisheries sector in keeping with the guidelines and policy framework.

He was also satisfied with the successful conclusion of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission sessions in Colombo.

The importance of the fisheries sector on nutritional requirements of Sri Lankans and the fact that fish provides over 72% of the animal protein to the people in Sri Lanka, were also highlighted.