Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera granted these allocations to the Provincial Fisheries Ministers at a meeting held recently at the ministry.

Minister Amaraweera requested all the provincial ministers to support the ministry in realizing its target to raise the fish export income up to USD 1.5 billion by 2020 and to increase the total fish production up to 2% of the GDP.

He also mentioned that in order to achieve these targets, aquaculture parks are expected to be established in 2,000 acres in Batticaloa and 3,000 acres in Mannar where a crab exports city will be established in Hambantota district.

Minister also mentioned that he will make a request for an increase of future budgetary allocations for the provincial fisheries industry.