Purchasing fish from fishermen in different areas at different rates caused confusion and clashes among the fisher folk.  Fish will be purchased on a certified rate structure on a directive of the President.  This was revealed yesterday (03) at a press conference held at the Fisheries Ministry by the Actg.Minister for Fisheries Sarath Kumara Gunarathna.  He also pointed out that this new scheme will encourage the production of dried and maldive fish. A certified price for the fishermen and a reasonable price for the consumer are the objectives of this initiative.

Eight varieties of fish which are in demand will be purchased from 30  Fisheries Corporation purchasing centres and also at temporary centres. 

The lowest certified prices of fish  per kilo paid to fishermen are  Linna Rs.160, Hurulla (Large) Rs.160 per kilo, Hurulla (Small) Rs.110 per kilo, Salaya (Large) Rs.80, Salaya (Small Rs.40, Sudaya Rs.40, Kumbala (Large) Rs.200, Kumbala (Small) Rs.140, Bolla (Large) Rs.200, Bolla (Small) Rs.140, Paraw (Large) Rs.300, Paraw (Small) Rs.240.

Fish thus purchased will be sold to consumers through 143 retail outlets, the Peliyagoda Central Fisheries Market, Sathosa outlets and Fisheries Corporation outlets as well as mobile vehicles at a very reasonable rate eliminating the middle man. (NJ/KH)