Thuduwawa, a tiny town in Chilaw is fringed by the ocean and lagoon. Fishermen makr their way to shore, hauling home their catch of the day. Among these hardworking small-scale fishermen are Don Jude Nimal and Madushan Prabodana Nonis, who have been practising raft fishing, also known as ‘theppam’ fishing, throughout their lives. While their livelihood has always presented challenges, the ongoing economic crisis exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has plunged them into greater hardship. The lack of alternative income opportunities, particularly during the six months of high tide, has heightened their vulnerability to food insecurity.
In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, launched a project to provide immediate food and livelihood support, focusing on non-motorized traditional boat (NTRB) fishers. Through this initiative, unconditional cash transfers have been extended to over 5,000 fishing households across nine fisheries districts, including Thuduwawa in Chilaw, alongside Tangalle, Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Puttalam, and Mannar. Don Jude Nimal and Madushan Prabodana Nonis are among the many beneficiaries who have received this vital cash relief, which has shone a glimmer of hope amidst their adversities.
Don Jude, 57, has never attended school and began fishing at the age of 13, following in his father’s footsteps. Raft fishing enabled him to educate his children who now hold respectable jobs; a source of great pride for him. Describing the impact of the economic crisis, he said, “This current economic crisis has been tough on us fishermen. Some families in our village couldn’t even afford to send their children to school, and I have witnessed many parents struggling to provide a single meal for their children.”
Expressing his gratitude for FAO’s cash transfers, Don Jude said, “With the first round of funds I purchased fishing nets, and with the subsequent donation, my wife bought essential groceries. As we enter the next six months during which fishing would be perilous, stocking up on food supplies is crucial.” He believes that the donors and their countries will be blessed for their assistance during these destitute times. Despite his injured leg, Don Jude has remained resilient, finding alternative ways to contribute to his household’s income. He said that he and his wife buy fish from large boats and process them into dry fish to sell. His wife plays a crucial role in their livelihood, assisting with various tasks such as making dry fish, selling fish, and repairing nets.
Speaking of the detrimental effects of the fuel shortage on his community, he said that it became financially impossible to fish during the period. Another beneficiary, 30-year-old Madushan who also grew up in a family of fishers, said even though he completed his GCE Advanced Level examination, he too became a fisherman due to the lack of job opportunities in his community.
When his second child was born during the peak of the pandemic, the family had to face severe financial difficulties. “The nutrition of our children suffered immensely during this time because the price of goods increased exponentially. We are glad to have received the emergency cash assistance at this juncture as we used it for both the nutritional and educational needs of our children,” he said.