April 26, Colombo (LNW): The Japanese Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has allocated a grant of US$3 million to bolster inland fisheries and enhance rural livelihoods in Sri Lanka. This initiative, aimed at fortifying food security and resilience, will see the establishment of four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala districts. Additionally, four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres and one community-operated mini fish breeding centre will undergo upgrades to increase breeding and rearing capacity. Fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs will be enhanced, broodstock for breeding units developed, and cage culture for seed rearing promoted among fisher communities.
The one-year project will also include the provision of three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA for fingerling transport, integration of digital technology into inland fisheries, and the enhancement of technical capacities among officers and fishers in production, management, processing, and value addition of inland fisheries.
Ambassador Mizukoshi emphasized the shared importance of fisheries between Japan and Sri Lanka, highlighting Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development. Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Douglas Devananda, acknowledged the historical significance of Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector and stressed the project’s importance in revitalizing the sector amidst recent financial challenges.
