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Sri Lanka Becomes First in South Asia to Begin National Plan for Small-Scale Fisheries

21 Nov, 2025

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Sri Lanka has taken a pioneering step in South Asia by commencing work on a National Plan of Action dedicated to small-scale fisheries. The initiative, announced on World Fisheries Day during an international workshop in Colombo, strengthens the nation’s commitment to sustainable ocean resource management.

Addressing the event, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath emphasized Sri Lanka’s longstanding connection to the ocean, noting that the sea has shaped the nation’s livelihood, economy, and cultural ties to the wider world.

The initiative is expected to support the majority of the country’s fishing community, with more than 80 percent of fishers operating on a small scale. The plan focuses on protecting marine ecosystems while improving the welfare and economic stability of coastal families who rely on fishing.

Hon. Minister Vijitha Herath stated that this national plan reflects Sri Lanka’s leadership in sustainable development, stressing the responsibility to safeguard marine resources through responsible management and collaborative efforts.

The workshop was held in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Bay of Bengal Programme Intergovernmental Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

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