From sea to table

At the lively Wattala Elakanda market, a fish vendor stands, a conduit between the sea’s riches and eager customers seeking affordable seafood. 
In recent months, price of fish has soared, becoming prohibitively expensive for many locals.
Despite this, Sri Lanka’s seafood sector remains a cornerstone of economic growth, sustaining over 2.5 million coastal livelihoods. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), fish constitutes a staggering 50 percent of Sri Lankans’ animal protein intake, a rate three times higher than the global average.
The FAO has repeatedly asserted the need for Sri Lanka to look at improving its handling methods as the island nation still grapples with 40 – 60 percent loss in seafood quality. 

Pic by Nisal Baduge