The Cabinet has granted approval to provide fuel subsidies aimed at easing the burden on Sri Lanka’s fishing community.

Under the new scheme, small fishing boats will receive a subsidy of Rs. 50 per litre, while multi‑day fishing vessels will be entitled to Rs. 150,000 per trip. 

The Ministry of Fisheries has announced that the program will take effect from April 20.

The decision follows a special discussion between Minister of Fisheries, Ramalingam Chandrasekar and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on the severe challenges faced by the fisheries sector. 

Rising global fuel prices and supply disruptions, triggered by ongoing instability in the Middle East, have placed significant pressure on local fishermen.

During the talks, particular attention was given to measures that would help restore the fishing industry swiftly and reduce the economic strain on fishing communities. 

The newly approved subsidy is expected to provide immediate relief and support the revival of the sector. (Newswire)

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A multi-day fishing boat equipped with advanced cooling technology and a fuel-saving bulbous bow was handed over to Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The multi-day fishing boat was provided as part of the initiative by the FAO, with funding from the government of Norway, toward enhancing resilience and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector.

According to the FAO, this initiative promotes the adoption of new technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, lower operational costs, and improve the quality of fish for both local and export markets.

Enhancing Resilience through Advanced Cooling Systems

Sri Lanka’s multi-day fishing vessels, essential for deep-sea fishing, especially in the tuna export industry, often rely on ice to preserve fish during long voyages. However, this practice frequently compromises quality, leading to post-harvest losses. The Fish Loss and Waste (FLW) Assessment conducted by FAO in 2022–2023 found an average quality loss of 41.4% in the catch from Sri Lanka’s multi-day fisheries.

To address this challenge, FAO has installed an advanced cooling system on a newly constructed multi-day fishing vessel to ensure fish are kept at optimal temperatures throughout the voyage. This technology strengthens the resilience of fishing operations, ensuring higher-quality fish products reach the market while reducing waste and spoilage.

Boosting Efficiency with Fuel-Saving Bulbous Bow Technology

Fuel efficiency is critical for Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, as multi-day boats consume between 8,000 and 11,000 litres of diesel per trip, costing operators 3 to 4 million LKR per voyage. To ease this burden, FAO provided technical expertise for the installation of bulbous bow technology on the vessel. This innovation minimizes wave resistance, delivering a 13% reduction in fuel consumption.

This innovation not only helps offset the additional fuel required by the cooling system but also brings long-term economic benefits to boat owners. The cost of installing the bulbous bow—approximately 1 million LKR—was borne by the boat owner with FAO’s technical support, highlighting the private sector’s role in adopting sustainable practices.

Empowering Fishermen with AI-Driven Quality Assessment Tools

A key challenge faced by fishermen is securing fair prices for their catch. Middlemen often exploit gaps in quality knowledge, leaving fishermen with reduced profits. To address this, FAO developed an AI-powered mobile app, enabling fishermen to assess the quality of their fish in real time based on Yellowfin Tuna export standards.

The app provides immediate feedback through a simple photo upload, giving fishermen the power to negotiate better prices. This tool enhances the resilience of fishing communities by ensuring more equitable market access and fairer pricing.

These initiatives, handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, are part of FAO’s broader commitment to build resilience in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector by promoting sustainable practices, reducing post-harvest losses, and empowering fishing communities. By integrating modern cooling systems, fuel-efficient technologies, and AI-based tools, FAO is driving a transformation that supports the economic and environmental sustainability of the sector. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) handed over two specially designed climate-resilient fishing boats and 30 modified fish display stalls to the Ministry of Fisheries, in line with FAO’s commitment to sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges.

Issuing a statement, the FAO said the SL20 and SL23 fishing boats, measuring 6.3 and 7 meters in length, were meticulously designed for coastal fishing operations in Sri Lanka. Adhering to FAO/ILO/IMO standards, these boats prioritize the safety of fishers and are built to be capsize-resistant and withstand the challenges posed by climate change, including more frequent and intense storms and cyclones. The designs of these climate-resilient boats are freely available through the FAO Fishing Vessel Design Database.

The design and construction of these boats were made possible through the generous funding of the Norwegian Government-financed FAO Trust Fund project on “Responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources for sustainable development,” with a cost allocation of approximately LKR 9 million.

In addition to the boats, FAO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, introduced 30 model fish stalls across 15 fisheries districts in Sri Lanka. These stalls, designed by the Cey-Nor Foundation under the Ministry of Fisheries, aim to minimize post-harvest fish quality loss by maintaining high-quality and safe conditions for fish retail selling.

A recent study by NARA revealed inadequate maintenance practices among most fish retailers in Sri Lanka. Outdoor fish stalls often display fish uncovered, without ice, in direct contact with sunlight and environmental hazards. The model fish display stalls seek to popularize retail selling stalls among fish retailers to maintain the quality of fish until it reaches the consumer.

The Minister of Fisheries in Sri Lanka Douglas Devananda expressed gratitude for FAO’s support, stating, “The handover of these specially designed boats and fish stalls is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of our fishers and improving the overall quality of fish in our markets. This collaboration with FAO signifies our joint commitment to the development of sustainable fisheries in Sri Lanka.”

Mr. Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant FAO Representative for Programmes, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “FAO remains dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and supporting local communities in Sri Lanka. The delivery of these boats and stalls exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the resilience of the fisheries sector in the face of climate change challenges.”

The climate-resilient boats and model fish stalls were handed over at a ceremony held at the Cey-Nor Foundation graced by Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, Piyal Nishantha, State Minister of Fisheries, Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant FAO Representative for Programmes, Indu Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, S. J. Kahawatte, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Cey-Nor Corporation.

FAO, together with its partners, remains committed to advancing sustainable practices in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, contributing to the well-being of fishers, and addressing the impact of climate change on coastal communities. (NewsWire)

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