Japan has allocated a $3 million grant through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The grant comes at a crucial time as the country works to recover from a recent currency crisis.
The funds will be used to establish 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 be upgraded to enhance breeding and rearing capacity, increase fingerling stocks in reservoirs, develop broodstock for breeding units, and promote cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.
Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, highlighted the importance of this project in revitalising the fisheries sector, which has faced challenges due to recent financial constraints. The initiative aims to alleviate hardships among inland fishing communities and rural populations.
Over the course of one year, the project will provide three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA for transporting fingerlings and integrate digital technology into inland fisheries. It will also enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in production, management, processing, and value addition of inland fisheries.
Ambassador Mizukoshi emphasised Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, noting the shared appreciation for fisheries in both nations’ economies and cultures.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specialising in fish feed preparation. This initiative represents a collaborative effort between Japan and Sri Lanka to strengthen the country’s fisheries sector and promote sustainable development.
