High demand for Sri Lanka’s tuna in world market

The demand for Sri Lankan Tuna fish in the global market has increased significantly, according to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera.

He says the main reason is due to the high nutritional level of the Sri Lankan Tuna fish. According to the Minister a kilo of Sri Lankan Tuna is sold at 20,000 rupees in the global market at present.

The demand for Sri Lankan Tuna went up after the European Union lifted its ban on Sri Lanka fish exports, the Minister says. With this development the government has decided to present the respective fish products under the brand name Sri Lankan Tuna.

The measure aims to promote Sri Lankan Tuna similar to the Sri Lankan Tea, the Minister said.

Sri Lanka has exported more than 340 metric tons of fish after the European Union lifted the ban on 21 June. Sri Lanka was only able to earn an income of Rs. 16 billion from exporting fish annually when the European Union ban was effective. However now it has gone up to Rs. 20 billion, he said.