A joint US$2 million initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the government of China has been launched to enhance sustainable aquaculture development in Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

The stakeholder consultation for the project, which will be implemented under the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme, was held at the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa.

The three-year project, titled “Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture Production through Improved Aquatic Animal Health Management and Practices,” is scheduled to commence in 2027, with funding of US$2 million allocated for its implementation.

Speaking at the event, Secretary Dr. Jinadasa highlighted the need for Sri Lanka’s aquaculture sector to transition from production-focused growth towards a scientifically managed, environmentally sustainable industry.

He noted that disease outbreaks, particularly in the shrimp farming sector, had previously resulted in major production losses and reduced export opportunities. He stressed the importance of establishing a national policy framework and a digital disease reporting system to strengthen the sector.

The project will focus on four key areas: digital transformation of aquaculture management, development of early warning systems, promotion of affordable biosecurity practices, and international knowledge-sharing with countries such as China that have advanced aquaculture industries.

Under the digitalization component, an integrated platform will be developed for paperless farm registration, disease reporting, and production monitoring. The early warning system will provide farmers with timely updates on climate-related risks, floods, and water quality changes.

The initiative will also introduce practical biosecurity measures for small-scale producers while facilitating the transfer of technical knowledge and best practices between Chinese and Sri Lankan researchers and officials.

The consultation was attended by Dr. Xinhua Yuan, Deputy Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at FAO Headquarters, representatives from the University of Peradeniya, the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), along with international technical experts from FAO and China.