The fisheries industry is a key sector in Sri Lanka which is capable of making a greater contribution towards the GDP of the country. The sector fulfills the requirements of nutritional intake of the people while constituting livelihood of about 2 million population. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is the main institute that holds the responsibility for development and management of fisheries sector during different period of time through various methodologies.

Currently, the attention of the Department is mainly focused on directing fisher folks towards a responsible fisheries industry in compliance with international conventions, laws and rules.Nevetheless, a host of activities and programmes aiming at developing the socio-economic status of fisher folk were launched in the year under review and it is expected to improve the capability of fisher folk to exploit high quality fish harvest by means of upgrading their living standard.

In addition, one of the main roles of the Department is to protect and regulate the regenerating but limited fisheries and aquatic resources for future generation through proper management of fishing fleet and fishing gear.