The President issued these instructions to the Navy at a discussion held with the representatives of Fishermen Associations at Temple Trees on Thursday. The President also decided to bring down the registration fee charged from boats fishing in the deep sea  from Rs.15,000 to Rs.5,000.

The representatives also tabled their issues to the President for consideration. The President also advised the Minister of Fisheries to prepare a proper programme to purchase fish productions from the Fisheries Corporation at a certified price.

During the discussion, the President instructed relevant officials do a thorough study and look into the possibility of removing the EU ban on Sri Lanka's fish imports.

Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Rajith Senarathne and Professor G.L. Peiris were present at the meeting. (KH)