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Japan grant to strengthen inland fisheries in SL

Published

1 week ago

April 25, 2024

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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.

🎣 Japan and Sri Lanka join hands with @FAOSriLanka to launch "Development of Self-sustained Culture-based Inland Fisheries" 🌊🐟. This collaborative project aims to boost food security and rural livelihoods, highlighting our commitment to sustainable growth. #FisheriesFortifySL pic.twitter.com/3MaFEVVoIh
— Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka（在スリランカ日本国大使館) (@JapanEmb_SL) April 25, 2024

News

China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

15 hours ago

May 4, 2024

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State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe has met with the Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the ADB annual meeting in Georgia.

Minister Semasinghe said on X ”at this discussion China assured its fullest support and cooperation to conclude the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka.”

Furthermore, he said that China reaffirmed steadfast support to Sri Lanka on all fronts.(news first.lk)

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Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

editor

Reporters Without Borders released the 2024 World Press Freedom Index on Friday (03).

According to RFS, Sri Lanka has slipped to the 150th position in the index, from 135th position last year.

Click here to read the RSF Sri Lanka Fact File

News

Companies should be ashamed of not giving workers a raise – Vadivel Suresh

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

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Mr. Vadivel Suresh, General Secretary of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union, emphasized that both the Government and the Plantation Employers’ Association bear the responsibility of providing wage increases to plantation workers. These workers, who play a pivotal role in sustaining the esteemed reputation of ‘Ceylon Tea’, contribute significantly to the national economy of Sri Lanka.

MP Vadivel Suresh, made this statement during his participation in today’s (03) news conference at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), under the theme ‘Collective path to a Stable Country’.

The Member of Parliament noted that plantation companies, benefiting significantly from the fluctuating dollar value, ought to feel ashamed for not providing their workers with a salary raise. He emphasized that the salary increase outlined in the gazette notice issued by the Labour Commissioner General for plantation workers should be implemented.

MP Vadivel Suresh further commented:

“We express gratitude to the President and the government for raising the salary of plantation workers to LKR. 1700. However, the Plantation Employers’ Association is contesting this decision.

The estate companies that profited greatly from the dollar’s value should be ashamed of themselves for not giving their workers a raise. Expressing opposition to the decision to increase wages for their workers, who contribute significantly to strengthening the national economy by upholding the reputation of Ceylon Tea, is regrettable. The decision to raise estate workers’ wages was not made hastily; rather, it followed extensive negotiations over the course of a year involving the Department of Labour, trade unions, and relevant stakeholders.

Employers’ unions persistently refrained from engaging in wage-fixing negotiations. Similarly, they remained silent when a salary increase of LKR 1000 was requested. However, the Labour Commissioner General, utilizing his authority, lawfully issued a gazette notice for a salary hike of LKR 1700. It is unjust for estate companies to procrastinate without providing relief to the workforce amidst fluctuations in the dollar’s value.

Both the government and the plantation Employers’ Association bear responsibility in this matter. Consequently, companies cannot contravene government decisions. Estate companies claim they are in dialogue with the high-level committee for the ultimate verdict. However, all 22 estate companies are owned by five individuals. These owners are involved not only in tea plantations but also in sectors such as tourism, small-scale manufacturing, agriculture, and gems. Additionally, plantation workers and trade unions must unite in support of this wage increase.

(President’s Media Division)

Gazette issued to up estate workers’ daily wage

Unable to increase daily wage – Plantation owners