The fisheries industry is a key sector in Sri Lanka that can make a greater contribution to the country's GDP. The sector fulfils the requirements of the people's nutritional intake while constituting the livelihood of about 2 million. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is the main institute responsible for developing and managing the fisheries sector during different periods 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. Nevertheless, 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 using 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 generations through proper management of the fishing fleet and gear.