Ban on sea leech farming will be lifted: Minister Devananda

By Thisari Walawege  

Action is being taken to lift the ban on the farming of sea leeches in Kilinochchi and Iranathivu, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Douglas Devananda revealed.  
At a discussion held last Monday, he said the farming of sea leeches bring an immense income to fishermen. The discussion was between the minister and representatives of the Iranamadu Fisheries Organization.   

Meanwhile, a discussion between the minister and officials from Agence Française de Développement (ADF) (French Development Agency), was held at the ministry focusing on the development of four harbours, namely, Beruwela, Galle, Purana Wala and Kudawella.   

Accordingly, this agency hopes to invest 100-140 million Euros for this cause. The French government is providing this money as special aid for the development of the fisheries industry of Sri Lanka.   

Once these harbours have been developed, they would be of extreme benefit to the fishermen of the South, the ministry said.