Sri Lanka sends first-ever canned fish exports

Monday, 31 March 2025 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

First shipment to UAE dispatched from Madurankuliya Ocean Food Factory
Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage highlights Sri Lanka’s entry into global canned fish market
Each export container holds 48,000 cans, generating $ 38,000-$ 40,000 per shipment
Govt. expects $ 8 m in foreign exchange revenue from exports in 2025
Ocean Food Institute introduces streamlined supply chain to ensure freshness
Aims to expand fisheries sector, reduce reliance on imports

Marking a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, the country officially began exporting locally produced canned jack mackerel from the Madurankuliya Ocean Food Factory.

The inaugural consignment destined for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was dispatched on Saturday (29), with Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage presiding over the event.

Speaking at the event, he emphasised that this milestone marked Sri Lanka’s entry into the global canned fish market, while aligning with the Government’s vision of “A Prosperous Country, A Beautiful Life.”

Each export container holds 48,000 cans, with an estimated earnings potential of $ 38,000 to $ 40,000 per shipment.

Sri Lanka currently consumes around 300,000 canned fish per day, while the local industry has the capacity to produce 500,000 cans daily. With this new export initiative, the Government expects to generate $ 8 million in foreign exchange revenue in 2025.

To ensure quality and minimise post-harvest losses, the Ocean Food Institute has introduced a streamlined supply chain. Freshly caught fish are transferred from local fishing vessels to cold storage on Ocean Food Institute ships within two days and then delivered to the factory for processing. This system not only preserves the freshness of the catch, but also allows fishermen to secure better prices at sea while ensuring a consistent supply for exports.

The initiative represents a significant step towards expanding Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, reducing reliance on imports and positioning locally produced canned fish as a competitive export commodity.