25th October 2012-- President James Michel has met with the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka,  Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, at State House this morning.Their discussion follows the President’s state visit to Sri Lanka in August this year, where President Michel and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa agreed to increase cooperation in the fisheries sector.

“Seychelles and Sri Lanka are establishing a solid platform for fisheries cooperation, which will be mutually beneficial. We share the same ocean, we have the same aspirations, and we have similar challenges. Together we can share expertise and work together to exploit the blue economy more effectively. We welcome the visit of the Minister as a sign of the increasing partnership between our two countries and the progress of our discussions,” said President Michel.

During his visit to Seychelles, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and his delegation will pursue further discussions with the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry; Mr. Peter Sinon and other high level officials from the ministries and related agencies, in preparation of  a development plan to improve fisheries in Seychelles, proposal of aqua culture, marine research boat manufacturing, as well as other agricultural and trade initiatives.

“There are many opportunities for cooperation in fisheries between our two island nations...We have started a very aggressive program of fisheries in Sri Lanka, so I want to introduce the same thing in Seychelles, to use the entire marine area for fish production,” said Dr. Senaratne.