Over the last three years the income from fish export has seen a considerable increase.  The demand for ornamental fish in the world market is 555 million dollars.  Sri Lanka exports amount to only 10 million dollars which is 2.7% .

The Minister said that this could be developed as a cottage industry.  The ornamental fish exported now are Guppies,Sword Tails, Platies, Barbes, Tetras, Angles, Gurami and Cat Fish.  Our exports to US form 50% while the other countries we export ornamental fish to are Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Belgium and others.  There are about 40 companies exporting ornamental fish in Sri Lanka.(KH/SI)