Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, based on the data, CFC purchases have remained around 1% of national harvest, including in the first half of 2025. We acknowledge this is inadequate, and we are implementing a five-year plan through 2029 to raise CFC’s market share of national harvest to about 4%. Regarding infrastructure, we are reviewing long-term cold-room lease arrangements entered into under previous administrations. The matter has been referred to the Attorney-General’s Department to review legal standing. Parallelly, we are engaging private investors to expand cold storage across all fishery harbours in partnership models to retain and stabilize value chains. On fuel and logistics efficiency, we have announced and commenced the mother-vessel support system at sea to reduce fuel burden and improve collection efficiency. Your cooperation in these implementations is welcome.