National Aquaculture Development Authority

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.

1998
Act No. 53 established mandate
22
Regional offices and field support points
18
National centres, hatcheries, and specialist facilities

Sri Lanka's public service hub for aquaculture development

NAQDA coordinates licensing, farm 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.

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 farm, hatchery, and related operational approvals
  • Renewals, status follow-up, and compliance guidance for permit holders
  • Support on documents required for environmental and local approvals
Apply now

Training & Capacity Building

Practical programmes delivered through NIFATI Kalawewa, Rambodagalla, and regional training activities for farmers, youth groups, and officers.

  • Courses on hatchery management, water quality, feed, and farm operations
  • Residential, field-based, and regional learning opportunities for new and existing operators
  • Technical orientation for community groups, producer organisations, and extension staff
View course calendar

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
Request technical support

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
Check eligibility

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
Meet the trade team

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
View research programmes
1998
Act No. 53 statutory mandate
22
regional offices and field support points
18
national centres, hatcheries, and specialist facilities
1920
service hotline and support access point

How we support you

NAQDA guides operators, cooperatives, and investors from first inquiry through licensing, training, and ongoing technical follow-up.

01

Consultation & site screening

Regional teams discuss the proposed activity, location, water source, and operational readiness before formal submission.

02

Documentation & approvals

Applicants are guided through forms, supporting documents, licence requirements, and any linked clearances needed for approval.

03

Training & technical setup

Relevant centres and officers connect operators with training, hatchery or seed support, manuals, and startup technical advice.

04

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.

1920

Service hotline

1998

Act No. 53 mandate

22

Regional offices nationwide