Public services for aquaculture & inland fisheries across Sri Lanka
Established under Act No. 53 of 1998, NAQDA supports aquaculture operators, community groups, and investors through licensing, extension services, training, fish seed support, technical guidance, and market facilitation.
Sri Lanka's public service hub for aquaculture development
NAQDA coordinates licensing, operation and hatchery guidance, training, fish seed production support, diagnostic assistance, and market-facing services to help regulated aquaculture and inland fisheries activities grow responsibly.
Statutory mandate
Established under Act No. 53 of 1998 and operating within Sri Lanka's national fisheries administration framework.
Island-wide support
Regional offices and extension teams guide operators on applications, compliance, technical needs, and service referrals.
Responsible growth
Services emphasize biosecurity, environmental safeguards, water quality management, and long-term sector resilience.
Aquaculture licensing and compliance support
NAQDA helps operators navigate licensing, site suitability reviews, supporting documents, renewals, and follow-up compliance requirements for operations, hatcheries, and related aquaculture activities.
Service catalog
Explore NAQDA services for freshwater, brackish water, marine, and inland fisheries stakeholders.
Licensing & Regulation
Guidance on aquaculture management licences, registrations, renewals, and supporting documentation for regulated activities.
- New applications for operation, hatchery, and related operational approvals
- Renewals, status follow-up, and compliance guidance for permit holders
- Support on documents required for environmental and local approvals
Training & Capacity Building
Practical programmes delivered through NIFATI Kalawewa, Rambodagalla, and regional training activities for producers, youth groups, and officers.
- Courses on hatchery management, water quality, feed, and operation operations
- Residential, field-based, and regional learning opportunities for new and existing operators
- Technical orientation for community groups, producer organisations, and extension staff
Fish Seed Production & Diagnostics
NAQDA's centre network supports broodstock management, hatchery services, fish seed supply, water quality checks, and disease-related technical assistance.
- 10 freshwater breeding centres, 3 freshwater prawn centres, and 3 ornamental fish centres
- Specialist facilities including marine finfish and sea cucumber hatcheries
- Laboratory and field advisory support for health, water, and biosecurity issues
Financial Assistance & Livelihood Programs
NAQDA connects eligible operators and community groups with public support schemes, livelihood programmes, and application guidance for aquaculture-related investments.
- Application guidance and document preparation support for eligible schemes
- Regional officers assist with Sinhala and Tamil forms, follow-up, and referrals
- Advice on linking projects with available government and partner support windows
Market & Export Development
Support for producer groups and enterprises seeking stronger market access, documentation readiness, and trade connections.
- Guidance on standards, buyer requirements, and supporting documentation
- Market linkage support for domestic sales and export-oriented producers
- Exposure through trade promotion, industry events, and partner networks
Research & Innovation
NAQDA works with research institutions and sector partners to improve hatcheries, diagnostics, culture systems, and technology adoption.
- Collaboration with national and international research and development partners
- Pilot work on hatchery improvement, biosecurity, and sustainable culture systems
- Knowledge transfer through centres, field teams, and producer-facing programmes
How we support you
NAQDA guides operators, cooperatives, and investors from first inquiry through licensing, training, and ongoing technical follow-up.
Consultation & site screening
Regional teams discuss the proposed activity, location, water source, and operational readiness before formal submission.
Documentation & approvals
Applicants are guided through forms, supporting documents, licence requirements, and any linked clearances needed for approval.
Training & technical setup
Relevant centres and officers connect operators with training, hatchery or seed support, manuals, and startup technical advice.
Monitoring & growth support
After setup, producers can access extension visits, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and market-readiness guidance.
Ready to start or strengthen your aquaculture activity?
Connect with NAQDA through regional offices, the contact page, or the service hotline to begin licensing, training, technical support, or market-readiness guidance.