President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has confirmed there is no ban on the export of Maldivian fish products to Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate Hoarafushi Airport, President Solih acknowledged there have been rumors that Sri Lanka has banned import of fish from the Maldives. However, he confirmed that Sri Lankan authorities have provided assurance that there is no ban on Maldivian fish products. He noted Sri Lanka has officially communicated with the Maldives regarding the matter, clarifying there is no policy on banning the import of fish from the Maldives.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid also confirmed the communication from Sri Lanka. He welcomed the decision by Sri Lankan authorities to confirm there is no ban on Maldivian fish products, noting it is a crucial source of income and livelihood for Maldivians. He added the Maldivian government appreciates the special bond of cooperation and friendship with Sri Lanka.
It was revealed earlier this month that Sri Lanka has placed some restrictions on fish imports in an effort to revive the fishing sector of the country. As such, Sri Lanka has introduced new tax rates for fish imports, with USD 4 charged per kilogram of fish imported from the Maldives.
Sri Lanka is one of the major export markets for the Maldives, with fish contributing a large share of exports to Sri Lanka from the Maldives. Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture revealed over 5,000 tons of fish were exported to Sri Lanka last year.