A special discussion was held at the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the challenges and solutions that arise in promoting animal products and ornamental fish exports within Sri Lanka.

A special discussion regarding the issues and solutions that arise in promoting animal products and ornamental fish exports within Sri Lanka was held today (25^th ) at the Ministry of Agriculture with the participation of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Mr. K.D. Lalkantha and Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Sunil Handunnetti.

During this discussion, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Dr. Palika Fernando, provided an explanation regarding the problems existing in the livestock sector, ornamental fish and ornamental plant export sector, and the relevant solutions. The increase in the cost of production of chicken meat is a problem, and the reasons for this are the rise in the price of maize used as animal feed, as well as the high prices of medicines and vaccines required for animals. When obtaining laboratory reports and such that are required for chicken meat exports, the shortage of laboratory facilities as well as the shortage of human resources in them remains a major problem. As a solution to this, it was pointed out that it is necessary to establish coordination among the laboratories under the Ministry of Agriculture and other ministries. Certification by a government veterinary surgeon is required to examine the health of animals during export. There is high demand for chicken meat exports from Singapore, China as well as Middle Eastern countries. It was also emphasized that it is important for the institutions involved in this task to work together rather than operating separately.

It was also suggested that the younger generation's attraction to this sector could be gained by providing children with some education about the livestock sector. It was also pointed out that the failure to update laws and regulations related to exports is a problem. Discussions were also held regarding the problems existing in relation to ornamental fish and ornamental plants being exported and how to provide solutions to them.

There are also problems regarding the certification required for ornamental fish. Coordination must be established among laboratories for this purpose. It was discussed that although certain fish cannot be directly exported, there are opportunities for re-export, and the necessary legal regulations should be prepared for that. In particular, the process should be made easier without delays in issuing export licenses.

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Mr. K.D. Lalkantha instructed officials to appoint a committee under the leadership of ministry secretaries and relevant officers to implement solutions to these problems and to take relevant steps promptly. The Minister further stated that permanent solutions should be provided to the problems existing in the sector within 3 months.