Cyclone causes nearly Rs. 8 Bn losses to fisheries sector

Cyclone Ditwah inflicted losses of nearly Rs. 8 billion on Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, according to the Fisheries Ministry.

Marine fisheries alone suffered damages of approximately Rs. 1.8 billion, while the freshwater and aquaculture sectors faced losses of around Rs. 5.85 billion.

Officials shared these figures at a media briefing yesterday (23) at the Fisheries Ministry, presided over by Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar. Ministry Secretary Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Susantha Kahawatta, and Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority Kithsiri Dharmapriya also attended.

The cyclone completely destroyed six multi-day fishing trawlers, while 51 others were partially damaged. In addition, 105 fibre boats with outboard motors were lost, and 210 were partially damaged. Five mechanised boats were destroyed, with 34 traditional mechanised fishing boats sustaining partial damage. A total of 209 traditional vessels, including theppam and canoes, were completely destroyed, with another 157 partially damaged. Three beach seine (madel) boats were lost, and 11 were partially damaged. Seven fishing vessels with inboard engines were destroyed, while 13 sustained partial damage.

Further losses included 134 fishing nets damaged or washed away, destruction of 17 fish processing centres, 12 ice plants, 15 fisheries community halls, and damage to 30 boat manufacturing yards.

The National Aquaculture Development Authority reported that the freshwater and aquaculture sector suffered Rs. 5.85 billion in damages. High-value export segments, such as ornamental fish, prawns, and sea cucumbers, alone accounted for losses exceeding Rs. 3.4 billion. Cyclone Ditwah damaged 699 freshwater tanks, and the opening of sluice gates led to the loss of fish and fingerlings.

In addition, 499 canoes in the freshwater sector were completely destroyed, with 314 partially damaged. Numerous fish cages, ponds, and other freshwater fish farming sites were also impacted.