About Us - NAQDA

Leadership Messages

Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekaran

Minister of Fisheries Aquatic and Ocean Resources

"The National Aquaculture Development Authority plays a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lanka's aquaculture sector. Through strategic initiatives and dedicated efforts, NAQDA has significantly contributed to the growth of ornamental fish exports, creating sustainable livelihoods for thousands of our citizens.

We are committed to supporting NAQDA's mission to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices, and expand market access for our aquaculture products globally."

Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya

Chairman, NAQDA

"At NAQDA, we are dedicated to transforming Sri Lanka's aquaculture landscape through innovation, research, and capacity building. Our focus extends beyond mere production increases to encompass sustainable practices that protect our aquatic ecosystems while maximizing economic benefits.

We take pride in our role as the national authority responsible for developing and regulating aquaculture activities, and we remain committed to serving all stakeholders with integrity and excellence."

Board of Directors

Board Members -Appointed by Hon. Minister

Name	Position	Contact No	Appointed From
Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya	Chairman	0112786497	9/10/2024
Mr. A.B.A.K Gunaratne	Member appointed by Hon. Minister	071 4404137 ,011 2849349	11/10/2024
Mr. Jagath Sirinimala Thrimahavithana	Member appointed by Hon. Minister	070 3445522	11/10/2024
Mr Sumira Randika Fernando	Member appointed by Hon. Minister	071 4151653	11/10/2024
Mr. Nuwan Liyanage	Member appointed by Hon. Minister	071 4064654	11/10/2024

Board Members -Ex Officio Directors

Name	Designation	Institute and Address	Contact No	Appointed From
Mr. Nowras Nasar	Chairman	Ceylon Fishery Corporation,No. 15, Rock House Lane, Colombo 15	0112540455	28/02/2026
Dr. Sanath Hettiarachchi	Chairman	NARA Institute, Crow Island, Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15,	0112521176, 0771101501	20/10/2024
Mrs. R.H.M.P. Abeykoon	Additional Secretary	Environmental Policy and Planning, Ministry of Environment ,"Sobadam Piyasa", No. 416/C/1 Robert Gunawardena Mawatha, Battaramulla	0714442902	21/01/2025
Mr. S.J. Kahawatta	Director General	Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Maligawatta, Colombo 10	0702104455, 0112449170	11/10/2024
Mrs. Chandika Athugala	Additional Secretary (Land & Law)	Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation	0741245533, 0112684067	31/12/2024
Mrs. D.A.C.D. Peiris	Director (Projects and Management)	Department of Project Management & Monitoring ,Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Policy Formulation, Planning and Tourism	0716848569	11/12/2024
Mrs. P.H. Handunhewa	Additional Secretary (Livestock)	Livestock Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation	0715353327, 0112869553	11/12/2024

Director Details

Director Team

Name	Designation	Contact	Division
Dr. J M Ashoka	Director General	dg@naqda.gov.lk +94 11 2786 495	Administration
Mr. Vidath Dharmadasa	Director Freshwater	directorfw@naqda.gov.lk +94 11 2786 496	Freshwater Aquaculture Development
Mr. M G G Mahanama	Director Coastal	directorcad@naqda.gov.lk +94 11 2786 497	Coastal Aquaculture Development
Ms. Anusha Sarachchandra	Director Finance	directorfinance@naqda.gov.lk +94 11 2786 498	Finance
Mr. R H Pothuwila	Director Extension	directorext@naqda.gov.lk +94 11 2786 499	Extension
Mr. Wijesekara	Director Human Resources Development	directorhrd@naqda.gov.lk +94 11 2786 499	Human Resource Developemnt and Administration