Male’, Maldives – The Foreign Ministry of Maldives has said that Sri-Lanka has not formally informed the Maldivian government they would stop importing fish from the Maldives.
This statement comes after news stating that Sri Lanka will ban the import of fisheries products from the Maldives got circulated by some media outlets.
Foreign ministry stated that the Sri Lankan government has not informed them of such a decision and that they have contacted relevant Sri Lankan authorities inquiring on the matter.
On the 27th of last month, the Sri Lankan government assured the Maldives that trade of Maldivian fishing products will proceed without any restrictions.
This assurance was given to the Maldives during a meeting Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid had with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and State Minister of Finance Ajith Nivard Cabraal.
Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed has previously said even if Sri Lanka prohibits fish imports, there would be little cause for concern, and mentioned ongoing efforts to establish fisheries exports to more profitable markets such as China and Russia.
