The Northern Province which is predominantly in the dry zone of Sri Lanka encompasses five administrative districts. The area of the Northern Province which included the Administrative Districts of Jaffna , Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar & Vavuniya is 8884 Sq km in extent. The five Districts in the Northern Province contained 33 Divisional Secretariat Divisions comprising 931 Grama Niladhari Divisions and 3235 Villages. The total length of the coast line is approximately 480 km and 234 fishing villages were located. In addition, Northern Province contained 54 Major, Medium Tanks and 1500 Minor tanks. These tanks are mainly used for agriculture purposes and rarely used for fishing activities .

However with the conflict situation prevailed for nearly thirty years in the Northern Peninsular, fisheries sector was collapsed and under performed. It also confronted with numerous issues. This situation was further aggravated due to the 2004 tsunami disaster.
In summary, the fisheries sector in the Northern Province was hampered due to the following reasons;

>: Damages occurred due to conflict situation prevailed in the province for more than 30 years
>: Lack of access to fishing due to time and area restrictions imposed based on security situation
>: Lack of introduction of new fishing boats, gear and technology
>: Damages occurred due to 2004 Tsunami
>: Internally displacement of fishing communities due to war situation
>: Lack of opportunities to implement policies and strategies of the Ten Year Fisheries Development Plan 2007-2016 formulated based on the “ Mahinda Chinthana”.

In considering the under performing sector situation in the Northern Province and the emerging needs and the hardships confronted by the war affected communities, it is essential to develop fisheries sector by adopting three fold strategy based on forward planning mechanism in consistent with the policies of the Ten Year Fisheries Development Plan 2007-2016 formulated based on the “ Mahinda Chinthana”.

The strategy is comprised with short term activities which to be completed within 180 days, medium term interventions to be completed within two years and long term interventions. To response to the priority and urgent needs pertaining to the livelihoods of the affected communities, fisheries sector has the highest potential to response positively and quickly than the other sectors. In addition, to ensure the food security of the affected communities, fisheries sub-sector could contribute immensely.

Objectives of the Fisheries Sector Development Plan for the Northern Province

>: Re-establish the socio-economic and environmental losses occurred in the past due to war situation
>: Re-establish and strengthening of institutional set-up to develop fisheries and aquatic resources in the province
>: Restore the livelihoods of the war affected and internally displaced fishing communities in the northern province
>: Ensure food security of the communities in the northern province
>: Increase national fish production targets as spelt out in the Ten Year Fisheries Development Plan-2007-2016
>: Revitalize, rebuild and modernize fisheries infrastructure damaged due to war and the 2004 Tsunami
>: Adopt conservation measures to protect the coastal and aquatic resources while maintaining sustainable utilization of fisheries and coastal resources.
>: Promote exports and to increase foreign exchange earnings

Scope of the Fisheries Sector Development Plan for the Northern Province
>: Strengthening of institutional mechanism to develop fisheries and aquatic resources in the northern province
>: Implementation of relief measures to restore the livelihoods of the community on an urgent basis in five Districts
>: Rehabilitation and re-development of basic fisheries infrastructure
>: Re-establishment and/or strengthening of fisheries cooperatives, fisheries banks and other CBOs
>: Development of inland and brackish water fisheries and aquaculture
>: Commencement and strengthening of fish marketing linkages and facilities
>: Introduction of new fishing technology and training
>: Coastal habitat conservation and restoration
>: Developing support services
>: Empowerment of fisher women

Proposed Activities under 180 Day Accelerated Development Programme

Proposed Medium Term Interventions- 2009-2010