COLOMBO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha announced on Wednesday the development of a specialized investment zone in the island country's northern region, which will be tailored to the fishing industry.
The minister told the media that this strategic endeavor aims to attract investments related to the fisheries sector, fostering economic growth, and generating substantial employment generation.
He said a series of programs will be held on Nov. 19-21 with a specific focus on the Northern Province, led by the Jaffna district, to coincide with this year's World Fisheries Day.
"Within the Jaffna district, various services provided by agencies affiliated with the Ministry of Fisheries, such as mobile fishing services, issuance of fishing ID cards, registration of fishing boats and resolution of communication issues concerning fishing signals, will be the center of attention," Nishantha said.
"Solutions will be delivered to these challenges directly within the local communities," he added.
The minister added that a program to provide kerosene subsidies for one-day fishing vessels is being implemented for the second time. ■