Divron Bioventures (Pvt.) Ltd. was honored with an award presented by the President Hon. Maithripala Sirisena for its significant contribution to the development and uplifting of the inland fisheries and aquaculture sector of Sri Lanka. The award, from the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka, was presented at the ‘Miridiya Varuna 2018’ awards ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall on October 10, 2018. The award was received by Divron directors Dr. Tim Dejager and Mr. Shan Meemanage. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Vijith Vijayamuni De Zoysa, State Minister Dileepa Wedaarachchi, Deputy Minister Ameer Ali, the National Aquaculture Development Authority Chairman Nuwan Prasanna Madavanarachchi, Director General Nimal Chandrarathne, and other officials of NAQDA were also present at the ceremony.

The award recognizes the commitment of Divron Bioventures to develop and grow export markets for sustainable seafood from Sri Lanka characterized by exceptional quality and high value. The value chain it has built in Sri Lanka involves direct participation and benefit to thousands of inland fishers who are managing and harvesting the giant freshwater prawns (scampi) and other fish from the inland reservoirs of Sri Lanka. These reservoirs, and the fisher communities whose livelihoods depend on them, are an important resource for the future growth of aquaculture and fisheries in Sri Lanka. Divron plans to extend its model of development to coastal fisheries and aquaculture utilizing lagoons and coastal areas for sustainable production and harvesting of additional products such as crabs, oysters, clams and other crustaceans.

Divron developed a value chain model that enhanced the capacity of rural communities and integrated it together with the commercial and technical advancement of sustainable aquaculture. Divron Bioventures works under a Public-Private Memorandum of Understanding with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) who contributes the services of its directors and extension officers to facilitate development of this value chain. The development potential of Divron’s value chain model has also been recognized by the Australian government who has supported further enhancement with a contribution from its Market Development Facility program through Australian Aid.

From Left to Right: Hon. Ameer Ali Shihabdeen, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Dr. Tim Dejager, Director Divron Bioventures (Pvt.) Ltd., Mr. Shan Meemanage, Director Divron Bioventures (Pvt.) Ltd., President Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, State Minister, Hon. Dilip Weddearahchi.

Market Development Facility story and video about Divron Bioventures:
https://mdf.exposure.co/fighting-drought-with-prawns