May 31, Colombo (LNW): A new initiative worth US$ 1.33 million (around Rs. 436 million) has been launched to support the recovery of livelihoods and boost freshwater fisheries in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, following the signing of an agreement at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo on May 29.
The project, financed by the Government of Japan with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), is intended to assist communities affected by recent extreme weather events, including Cyclone Ditwah, which disrupted fishing activities and damaged local income streams.
At the core of the programme is a push to modernise inland aquaculture through the introduction of cage culture systems. Authorities plan to deploy 200 fish cages across 30 selected reservoirs, alongside the introduction of barrage netting systems to improve harvesting efficiency and stock management.
The initiative also includes the upgrading of the Inginiyagala Fish Breeding Centre, training programmes for local fisheries organisations, and the initial provision of fingerlings and feed to support the first production cycle at no cost to beneficiaries.
Officials say the project is designed not only to restore livelihoods but also to shift inland fisheries towards more productive and sustainable methods, reducing pressure on marine resources at a time when the coastal sector is grappling with rising operational costs.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar described the programme as an important step in modernising Sri Lanka’s freshwater fisheries industry, noting its potential to increase yields through the adoption of improved cultivation technologies.
Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development priorities, highlighting the importance of strengthening inland fisheries as a contribution to food security and rural economic resilience.
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