News
Japan and FAO Support Strengthening of Inland Fisheries in Sri Lanka with Handover of Upgraded Hatchery and Live Fingerling Bowzers
Inginiyagala, Ampara, 26 March 2025 – 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), officially inaugurated and handed over the upgraded hatchery and three live fingerling bowzers at the NAQDA Aquaculture Development Center in Inginiyagala, Ampara.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Japanese Ambasador Akio ISOMATA, underscoring the commitment of both governments to enhancing inland fisheries production and improving the livelihoods of rural fishing communities, an FAO news release said.
“The newly upgraded hatchery and the provision of live fingerling transportation bowzers 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,” it said.
“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 Monaragala.”
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 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, Mr. 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.”
The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday demanded an immediate termination of what it called a “secretive and dangerous” defence agreement signed between Sri Lanka and India, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 05 April visit.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Nugegoda, FSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jagoda described the agreement as a “betrayal of the nation” and a “crime against the people,” urging the government to invoke Article 12 of the deal and exit it with the required three months’ notice.
Jagoda said the document, which surfaced on social media after being published by a news portal, appears to be the actual agreement signed between the two countries. “The government has not denied its authenticity. That silence is telling,” he said.
Jagoda added that the agreement bears the signatures of Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry Secretary Sampath Thuiyakontha and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.
“What’s most troubling,” Jagoda warned, “is that both governments attempted to keep the agreement under wraps. Unlike the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord, which was made public with all annexures, this agreement was hidden from the people, and even now, we don’t know how many other agreements exist between India and Sri Lanka.”
Jagoda said that a Right to Information request made on 04 April was met with a reply from the President’s Office stating that it had no copies of the agreement—raising serious concerns about transparency, even at the highest level. “One could question whether the President has seen it because his office does not have it,” Jagoda said.
The 12-clause of agreement reportedly covers areas such as exchange and training of military personnel, defence industry collaboration, classified information protection, and military medical services, including battlefield healthcare and telemedicine.
Jagoda said the definition of “classified information” in Clause 7 was alarmingly broad. “It allows India to label virtually anything as secret. Even weapons or military assets transferred under this agreement cannot be revealed—not even after the agreement ends,” he said, citing Clause 7.3.
Clause 10 prohibits either country from taking disputes to international courts or involving third-party mediators. “It’s like asking a rabbit to negotiate with a tiger,” Jagoda quipped, drawing parallels to the complications of the 1987 accord, which eventually saw Indian peacekeeping troops refusing to leave until a change in the Indian government.
Jagoda accused the NPP-led government of hypocrisy, pointing out that the JVP, the main component of the current regime, had vehemently opposed Indo-Lanka Accord in 1987. “Now they’ve gone and signed an even more dangerous deal,” he said.
Citing Clause 12, which allows either party to withdraw with three months’ notice, the FSP called on the government to act immediately to exit the pact. “We urge the people to unite and defeat these underhanded, sovereignty-eroding deals. The FSP stands ready to lead that fight,” Jagoda said.
The police yesterday arrested a group of students, including the Convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), Madushan Chandradith, during a protest held by the Allied Health Science Graduates’ Union in front of the Health Ministry yesterday.
The police obtained an order from Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court, earlier in the day, to prevent protesters from invading the Colombo Hospital Square and the Health Ministry.
Inspector General of Police T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon is set to face formal questioning on Monday (19 May) over serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of power, parliamentary sources said yesterday.
A special Committee appointed to investigate the claims will commence formal proceedings next week, following several rounds of preliminary discussions held within the parliamentary complex in recent weeks.
The IGP has been officially notified to appear before the Committee and is expected to face the inquiry for the first time at 2:00 PM in Committee Room No. 8.
The Committee, which met again on Thursday (15) to finalise arrangements, is investigating allegations that Tennakoon misused his official powers in a manner deemed severe and improper.
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