Japanese Yen Two Hundred Million (approximately LKR 435 Million) Grant Assistance for Providing Supportive Equipment for the Fisheries Industry under the Economic and Social Development Programme of the Government of Japan
As one of the main development partner, Government of Japan extends the hands of friendship to Sri Lanka whenever the help is needed. Accordingly, amid the present economic crisis situation, Government of Japan has donated various aids to Sri Lanka ensure the food security, quality of health care facilities and the social wellbeing of the people.
The fisheries sector in Sri Lanka has the potential to be competitive in the global markets and increase employment opportunities, food security and export earnings in a sustainable manner. In line with the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy framework, the Government envisages achieving the objectives of increased per capita fish consumption, reduced post-harvest loss, generated employment opportunities, improved quality of life of the fisher community, increased foreign exchange and ensure long-term sustainability of the fisheries industry.
Considering the above fact, The Government of Japan has agreed to provide a grant assistance, amounting to Japanese Yen Two Million (approximately LKR 435 Million) under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Program to Provide Supportive Equipment for the Fisheries Industry. The objective of this grant aid to develop cold chain facilities and equip the fisheries sector with modern electronic equipment and, thereby realizing high value-added marine products and contributing to the upgrading the living standard of the fishermen in Northern and eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka.
Under this Grant assistance, Ice Making Machines, Digital Platform Scales, sets of Fishing Net, Refrigerator Truck and Prefabricated Refrigerators/Freezers will be provided. This grant assistance will be a great patronage to reduce the constraints that exist in the value chain and increase the competitiveness, by promoting private sector investments in the fisheries industry.
The Exchange of Notes pertaining to the above grant were signed by Mr. K.M Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and His Excellency Mr. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Government of Japan with the participation of Honorable Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Douglas Devananda and Honorable State Minister of Finance Mr. Shehan Semasighe of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on November 22, 2023 at the Ministry of Finance.