Sri Lanka, Dec. 23 -- The Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources to provide tariff relief on the import of Milk fish until local production can fully meet demand.

Under the new measures, a separate Harmonized System code will be introduced for imported Milk fish, which will be allowed through registered fishing societies. Additionally, a special trade tax of Rs. 180 per kilogram will be levied on imported Wekkaya fish, with a concession of Rs. 130 per kilogram for fishing societies importing the species.

Milk fish, along with Ribbon fish, flying fish, and Cuttlefish, are commonly used as bait in longline fishing gear by owners of multi-day deep-sea fishing vessels targeting high-qualit...