The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I answer as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) Accepted. (ii) Accepted. (iii) Not accepted.

¶ 03 Re-exports are permitted under strict SOP-based controls. Quantity re-exported in 2024 was 1,187 metric tons.

¶ 04 (b) Yes. The National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) is implementing multiple programmes to promote domestic shrimp farming, including: - Addressing EHP (Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei) parasite impacts in L. vannamei through good aquaculture practices in hatcheries and farms. - Due to EHP concerns, farmers are shifting interest to SPF P. monodon; to address PL shortages, five hatcheries have been authorised for SPF P. monodon broodstock development, and approval granted to build one more. Once all are operational, quality PL supply will meet production targets. - To counter lower international prices driven by India and Ecuador with lower costs, we are encouraging production of larger-sized “Sri Lankan Jumbo Shrimp” targeting niche markets. - Main farming districts: Puttalam, Batticaloa, Mannar, Jaffna, Hambantota; about 70% of output is from Puttalam. To expand production, removal of sand/silt bars obstructing brackish water exchange in Dutch Canal and lagoons (Puttalam, Mundalama, Halawatha systems) is planned; budget proposals have been made for 2026. - Identified lands in North and East will be developed for environmentally friendly farms to ensure adequate export volumes and supply to processing centres.

¶ 05 (c) Not applicable.