Sri Lanka sees upsurge in ornamental fish sector

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen (right) felicitates Vibhu Perera 

Industry and Commerce Minister Bathiudeen poses with EDB officials and Sri Lankan ornamental fishery award-winners 

Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish sector has gained international attention after bagging several top awards for its diversity at the Aquarama 2015 trade exhibition, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen revealed recently. 

“On behalf of the Government of President Maithripala Sirisena I congratulate all the Lankan award-winners for their achievements at Aquarama 2015,” the Minister stated on 3 June. 

Minister Bathiudeen was speaking at a special press briefing held to announce Sri Lanka’s victories at Aquarama. The Director General of the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka Nimal Chandraratne and Export Development Board Executive Director Dr. Yousuf Maraikkar were also present at the occasion.

Aquarama is the leading international ornamental fish aquatic plant and fish accessories trade exhibition in the world, and is held in Singapore once every two years. The event began in 1989, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Its latest edition, the 14th one so far, was held from 28-31 May in Singapore. The Lankan winners secured awards across many categories.  

“I am pleased to announce that Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish sector participants have won 29 awards at this year’s event. A Sri Lankan ornamental fish industrialist was also a part of this year’s judging panel and brought further honour to Sri Lanka. We thank UBM Media (Singapore) Ltd., the organisers of this event, for the support given to Lankan participants,” said Minister Bathiudeen.

“I commend EDB for supporting the Lankan team for this event and bringing glory to Sri Lanka. We are also pleased to note that Sri Lanka is receiving a larger spotlight in the global ornamental fisheries arena. The well-known Global Ornamental Fish Conference was, for the first time, held in Sri Lanka last November, with co-organising support provided by INFOFISH. This was a well-attended global event. Our ornamental fish exports too have been increasing strongly, showing the great export promise of this sector. In 2014 our ornamental fish exports stood at $ 12.5 m, an increase of 17% from 2013’s figure of $ 10.7 m. This was also a huge increase of 34% from 2012’s figure of $ 7.57 m,” Bathiudeen added. “This sector has great promise for export growth,” said EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage, addressing the event. “This sector provides some of the highest return on investment amongst our exports. Our committed ornamental and live fish sector is also showing strong growth. Realising its potential, EDB has been working in areas such as Polonnaruwa where it is actively encouraging breeders. In the recent past, EDB has spent over Rs. 40 m for its development.” 

At the 2013 Aquarama, facilitated by EDB, Lankan participants won 29 awards.