A USD 1.33 million (approximately Rs. 436 million) project aimed at restoring livelihoods and strengthening the freshwater fisheries sector in the Eastern Province was launched through the signing of an agreement at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo on May 29.
The project, funded by the Japanese Government with technical support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), seeks to assist fishing communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
Key initiatives include the installation of 200 fish cages across 30 selected reservoirs, provision of barrage net systems, upgrades to the Inginiyagala Fish Breeding Centre, technical training programmes for fisheries associations, and the free distribution of fish fingerlings and feed for the first cultivation cycle.
Speaking at the event, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the project would mark a significant milestone in modernising Sri Lanka’s freshwater fisheries industry and enhancing fish production through advanced cage culture technology.
Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata noted that strengthening freshwater fisheries is vital for Sri Lanka’s food security, particularly as the marine fisheries sector faces challenges from rising fuel costs. He reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s sustainable development efforts. (NewsWire)