The Japanese Government, through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has extended a generous grant of US$3 million to enhance inland fisheries and uplift rural livelihoods in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries. This initiative aims to reinforce food and nutritional security while building resilience through various interventions.
Key components of the project include 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. These efforts seek 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.
Furthermore, the project will provide three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in production, management, processing, and value addition of inland fisheries. Ambassador Mizukoshi highlighted Japan’s longstanding commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development and emphasized the significance of this new project in strengthening the fisheries sector, improving food security, and enhancing livelihoods.
Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, underscored the historical importance of Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector and emphasized the pivotal role of this project in revitalizing the sector amid recent financial challenges. The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation. Moreover, it is anticipated to have positive indirect effects on family members, consumers, producers of dry fish, and stakeholders in research and academia.
Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, emphasized the significance of partnerships in driving sustainable development and reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to fostering collaborations that empower communities and reinforce crucial sectors like inland fisheries. Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, stressed the importance of increasing inland fish production and ensuring the sustainability of the inland fisheries industry, highlighting the project’s role in uplifting livelihoods and fortifying resilience in rural communities.