The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has launched a major programme to strengthen the livelihoods of Northern fishing communities, presenting recommendation letters to 120 beneficiaries for one‑acre sea cucumber farming projects.

The ceremony, organized by the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), was held at the Kayts Divisional Secretariat with Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar attending as Chief Guest.

Under the initiative, 20 producer groups, each comprising six members, received recommendation letters granting initial site approval. This step enables them to obtain the mandatory Aquaculture Management Licence, authorizing commercial operations.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Chandrasekar described sea cucumber farming as a sustainable, high‑value livelihood for coastal communities. He emphasized its potential to boost Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy, increase export earnings, and generate valuable foreign exchange.

The Minister further pledged to expand community‑based aquaculture programmes nationwide, aiming to strengthen rural economies, create new employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of fishing families. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Fisheries has announced the establishment of a dedicated 24-hour helpline to address fuel supply problems faced by the fishing and aquaculture industries.

According to the ministry, the service is designed to assist operators of fishing vessels, seafood processing facilities, and aquaculture farms in reporting and resolving challenges related to fuel access.

Industry stakeholders experiencing difficulties can now directly contact the helpline at 0114323389 to ensure their concerns are promptly addressed. (Newswire)

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The Government has announced that 430 field‑level officers in the fisheries sector will be provided with electric motorcycles in 2026, under a grant from the Indian Government. 

The initiative aims to ensure that officers engaged in official duties, research, and development activities can carry out their responsibilities efficiently and without transport difficulties.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Ocean Resources, the beneficiaries will include field officers of the National Aquatic Resources Development Authority and field researchers of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Institute. 

The programme is designed to improve productivity, efficiency, and satisfaction among officers working at the grassroots level.

The Indian Government has agreed to provide Rs. 264.59 million for the purchase of the motorcycles. 

To secure this grant, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Ocean Resources to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with India. (Newswire)

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A former official of the Department of Fisheries and a staff member of the former Deputy Minister of Housing Construction, Indika Bandaranayake, have been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

According to the Bribery Commission, the arrest was made in connection with an investigation into a complaint that the suspects obtained Rs. 245,000 from an individual, claiming they could secure a job at the Ports Authority.

It is alleged that the suspects demanded a total bribe of Rs. 500,000 for the job, instructing the individual to first pay Rs. 250,000, with the remaining amount to be paid after the job is secured.

The suspects are scheduled to be presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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The upcoming visit of the Indian Prime Minister and the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Sri Lanka will provide an opportunity to diplomatically address the Indo-Lanka fishing dispute, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said.

The Minister made these comments during a media briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre on Tuesday (11).

Minister Devananda stressed that Indian fishermen encroaching across Sri Lankan borders and employing illegal fishing gear, adversely impacts the livelihoods of local fishermen.

During his recent visit to India, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed this matter with the relevant Indian authorities, he said, adding that the upcoming visits of the Indian Head of State and officials will provide an opportunity to seek solutions.

Efforts are also underway to enact new laws aimed at enhancing the fishing industry, safeguarding the interests of fishing communities, and preserving marine resources, the Minister said. (Newswire)

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The Japanese Government has provided a grant of US$ 3 million through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to strengthen inland fisheries and improve rural livelihoods in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries.

According to an FAO statement, the US$ 3 million initiative will bolster food and nutritional security and fortify resilience by establishing four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura and Monaragala districts, upgrading four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres and one community operated mini fish breeding centre to increase breeding and rearing capacity, enhance fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs, develop broodstock for breeding units and promote cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.

The one-year project will also provide 3 live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA to transport fingerlings, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in the production, management, processing and value addition of inland fisheries. 

In his speech, Ambassador Mizukoshi stressed “Japan and Sri Lanka, both island nations, share a deep-rooted appreciation for the importance of fisheries in our economies and cultures. Recognizing this shared significance, Japan has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development, particularly in the maritime domain, since 2023. With the initiation of this new project alongside our continued efforts, Japan is committed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, thereby improving food security and livelihoods.”

“Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector has historically been supported by the government, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy,” remarked Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries. “However, recent financial challenges have left the sector deprived of necessary resources, exacerbating hardships among inland fishing communities and rural populations. This project is a pivotal step towards revitalizing the sector and ensuring sustainable benefits for all stakeholders involved.”

The project aims to directly support approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation. Moreover, it is expected to have a positive ripple effect on indirect beneficiaries, including family members, consumers, producers of dry fish, and stakeholders in research and academia.

“Partnerships like these demonstrate the impact of collective action in driving sustainable development. At the United Nations, we are committed to fostering collaborations that empower communities and reinforce crucial sectors like inland fisheries. Through this project, we’re not just promoting food security and rural livelihoods; we’re also laying the groundwork for a resilient future for Sri Lanka’s rural communities,” said Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka.

“The significance of increasing inland fish production and ensuring the sustainability of the inland fisheries industry cannot be overstated,” stated Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka. “This project is not merely about enhancing food security; it’s about uplifting livelihoods and fortifying the resilience of rural communities, particularly inland fisherfolk. The development of self-sustained culture-based fisheries in selected reservoirs is not just necessary; it’s imperative for the betterment of these communities.”

FAO remains steadfast in its commitment to the successful implementation of this project, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on food security, livelihoods, and resilience in Sri Lanka’s rural communities. (Newswire)

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