Sri Lanka’s per capita fish consumption has risen significantly over the past four years, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development. A study conducted by the Ministry have revealed that per capita fish consumption in Sri Lanka has increased up to 46.7g in 2016. It was reported to be 41.3g in 2013, 42.9g in 2014 and 43.2g in 2015. The Ministry attributed the increased per capita fish consumption in Sri Lanka to the bounteous fish harvest and the apparent tendency to consume fish rather than meat. Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera said the Omega 3 fatty in fish boosts the immunity against heart diseases and several other non-communicable diseases and according to studies, a large portion of the daily protein requirement can be satisfied by fish consumption. Minister Amaraweera expressed these views at the opening of the renovated fish sales outlet in Maligawatte. At least 24 kg of fish need to be consumed in a year to meet the annual protein need of humans. However, the amount consumed in Sri Lanka ranges between 12-15 kg and in several areas of Central province it is as low as 500g. Therefore, the Minister advised the officials of CFC to initiate a program to promote fish consumption in such areas. The per capita fish intake of Sri Lanka has increased from 22 grams per day in 2009 but it is still far below the target of 60gms/day, based on WHO recommendations to prevent malnutrition. Many sales outlets coming under the purview of Ceylon Fisheries Corporation are increasingly making profits due to its new management, the Minister noted adding that several outlets are planned to be renovated and also a program has been planned to send the lorries of the Corporation to the shore and purchase fish directly from the vendors in order to make fresh fish available for the customers.
Copyright © 2000, 2016 by LankaPage.com (LLC) :