A program aimed at modernizing Sri Lanka’s inland prawn industry has been launched under a Rs. 25 million allocation from the 2025 Budget, according to the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA).

The initiative introduces a new cage‑based method that departs from traditional practices of directly releasing post‑larvae into reservoirs. 

Instead, larvae are retained in cages within the reservoirs for about a month of pre‑growing before release. 

NAQDA has already established 25 research‑level cages near major reservoirs to test the system.

“We have already successfully implemented this experimental project at Girithale tank, two reservoirs in Anuradhapura District, and two reservoirs in the Northern Province. Previously, to obtain one kilogram of prawns, about 300–400 larvae had to be released into reservoirs. But through this new ‘cage method,’ since prawns grown for a month reach about 1.5–2 inches in size before release, we expect that only about 100 larvae will be needed to obtain one kilogram of prawns. This is a threefold increase in efficiency in the inland prawn industry,” NAQDA Chairman Kithsiri Dharmapriya said, explaining the benefits of the new approach.

The success of the program has drawn active participation from the private sector and provincial councils. 

Entrepreneurs purchasing inland prawns have pledged to supply larvae and feed, while the Uva and Southern Provincial Councils have committed support to expand the project in their regions. (Newswire)

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