December 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry has been left reeling after the recent disaster, with overall losses now estimated at well over Rs. 7.6 billion, according to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.
Officials say the aquaculture segment has borne the brunt of the damage, accounting for nearly Rs. 5.9 billion in losses, as farms and coastal facilities were badly affected.
High-value activities such as fish farming, shrimp cultivation and sea cucumber production were among the hardest hit, disrupting both local supply chains and export-oriented operations. The impact has also been felt at sea, with damage to marine fisheries calculated at close to Rs. 1.8 billion.
Preliminary assessments indicate widespread destruction of fishing assets, including the total loss of more than 300 marine fishing vessels, while a further 400 boats have been damaged to varying degrees. Authorities say detailed assessments are continuing, alongside discussions on relief measures and long-term recovery plans for affected fishing communities.
