Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-08-15

Amendment to the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka Act, No.53 of 1998

•- The National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) of Sri Lanka has been established under the Act, No.53 of 1998 with a view to promoting and regulating the aquaculture industry of Sri Lanka. Presently, action is pursued for the expansion of the aquaculture industry in Sri Lanka on a commercial scale and concurrently, for the sustainability of the industry, it is essential to have a strong legal framework for the regulation, conservation and management of the aquaculture industry. Further, the provisions required for imposing punishments in respect of the offences identified in the management of the aquaculture industry and issuing of licenses for the importation of aquaculture related species, material and equipment and operational activities will have to be incorporated in the Act.

Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to amend the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka Act, No.53 of 1998 vesting the powers necessary with the National Aquaculture Development Authority to suit the present day requirements and to appoint a Committee to study the matters and submit proposals and recommendations relating to same, was approved by the Cabinet.