Japan has provided six refrigerated trucks to Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector under a grant assistance project aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving the transportation of fish and other marine products across the country.
The vehicles were officially handed over on Wednesday (10) by Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata to the Chairman of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC), Mohammad Nowras Nasar, in the presence of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage.
The donation forms part of Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, funded through a grant of 200 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$1.25 million). The project also includes the installation of three ice-making machines in Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Trincomalee.
According to the Japanese Embassy, Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector faces major challenges in transporting fish from the Northern and Eastern Provinces to Colombo, with inadequate temperature control contributing to post-harvest losses estimated at up to 40%.
The six refrigerated trucks will be operated by the CFC to transport marine products from the Northern and Eastern Provinces to Colombo, helping preserve product quality, reduce wastage and improve distribution efficiency.
Addressing the event, Ambassador Isomata said strengthening the cold chain had become increasingly important amid concerns over rising food and fuel prices linked to the current situation in the Middle East.
“A cold chain is not merely a technology or logistics system for cooling fish; it is the vital foundation that protects the hard work of fishermen, secures the trust of consumers, and supports national food security,” he said.
“Inadequate temperature control not only causes significant post-harvest losses, but also leads to health hazards, price reductions, and loss of market confidence.”
He expressed hope that the project would encourage further private sector investment in cold chain infrastructure and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable development efforts.
Minister Chandrasekar welcomed the assistance, describing the donation as a significant step towards modernising the country’s fisheries infrastructure.
“Maintaining an efficient cold chain is absolutely critical to minimising post-harvest losses, ensuring the highest quality of fish reaches consumers, and stabilising market prices for our local fishermen,” he said.
“These vehicles will drastically improve the distribution capabilities of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, enabling us to transport fresh harvest safely across the island.”
The minister said the project reflected the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan and would contribute to building a sustainable and resilient blue economy while improving livelihoods in coastal communities. (Newswire)