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USD 3 mn Japan funded project to strengthen inland fisheries and agriculture underway

Published

1 year ago

2025/03/28

Fisheries Minister Chandrasekar (fourth from left) at the handing over live fingerling bowsers (Pic courtesy Japanese embassy)

Inginiyagala, Ampara– The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding support from the Government of Japan and in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA), recently inaugurated and handed over the upgraded hatchery and three live fingerling bowsers at the NAQDA Aquaculture Development Center in Inginiyagala, Ampara.

The following is the text of the statement issued by the Japanese embassy: “The ceremony was held under the auspices of Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Ambassador of Japan Akio ISOMATA underscoring the commitment of both governments to enhancing inland fisheries production and improving the livelihoods of rural fishing communities.

The newly upgraded hatchery and the provision of live fingerling transportation bowsers will significantly enhance the breeding, rearing, and distribution of quality fish fingerlings to inland water bodies, boosting inland fisheries production and ensuring a stable source of nutrition and income for local fisher communities. This initiative marks a key milestone in the US$3 million project funded by Japan and implemented by FAO in partnership with NAQDA to strengthen inland fisheries and promote sustainable aquaculture in Sri Lanka. In addition to upgrading the Inginiyagala center, the project is strengthening three other NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centers and an existing community-operated mini fish breeding center, while also establishing three new community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, and Moneragala.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador ISOMATA reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to investing in people, stating, “Japan prioritizes human capacity development. Rather than simply providing fish to meet immediate needs, we focus on transferring knowledge and skills in fish farming and sustainable management. Through this approach, we hope to empower Sri Lanka to achieve self-sustained growth and build a stable and sustainable future.”

Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector: “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration. By strengthening hatchery operations and improving the transportation of live fingerlings, we are ensuring a more productive and sustainable inland fisheries sector that will benefit thousands of fisher families across the country.”

The initiative is expected to directly benefit approximately 3,000 inland fishers, hatchery operators, and fish feed producers while also contributing to broader food security and rural economic development. Additionally, the introduction of improved broodstock development, digital integration in inland fisheries, and capacity-building programs for fishers and aquaculture officers are integral components of the broader project.

FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, Vimlendra Sharan, emphasized FAO’s dedication to enhancing the resilience of Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector: “Through this initiative, we are not only improving aquaculture infrastructure but also equipping communities with the necessary resources and knowledge to sustain inland fisheries in the long run. FAO remains committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka and partners to drive impactful, lasting change.”

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.

News

PHIs launch Vesak ‘Dansal’ safety registration drive

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have announced that registration of ‘Dansal’ organised islandwide in view of the upcoming Vesak Poya has already commenced.

President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), K.P. Boralessa, said that organisers intending to conduct ‘Dansal’ are required to inform and register with the PHI attached to the relevant area.

He said organisers must also provide details of the location and the type of ‘Dansal’ being conducted.

Following registration, PHIs will conduct awareness programmes for organisers on maintaining required health and safety standards during the conduct of such events, he added.

Boralessa warned that legal action would be taken against those who organise ‘Dansal’ without proper registration or in an unsafe manner.

He further said PHIs will inspect venues on the eve of each ‘Dansala’ to assess suitability, including waste disposal arrangements, availability of drinking water, quality of water used for cooking, and condition of equipment at the site.

In addition, those involved in food preparation and serving will also be inspected to ensure hygiene standards are maintained, he said.

“These measures are taken to ensure that food provided at ‘Dansal’ is safe and hygienic for the public. Special attention must be paid to the ingredients used, and only healthy ingredients should be utilised,” Boralessa added.