“The continuous support provided by the Japanese government and people for the progress of the fisheries sector should be appreciated,” – Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

“The Fisheries Corporation, which was once in intensive care, has now fully regained its strength,” – Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage.

Six modern refrigerated trucks valued at Rs. 200 million, donated by the Government of Japan to modernize the fish distribution process of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation and reduce post-harvest losses, were officially handed over to the Ministry of Fisheries yesterday (10) at the Fisheries Corporation Headquarters in Colombo.

The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. ISOMATA Akio, formally presented the vehicles to the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar highlighted the longstanding and enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan, which dates back to 1945. He noted that the refrigerated trucks would play a vital role in maintaining the quality and freshness of fish products during transportation, reducing wastage, and ensuring consumers receive high-quality seafood. The Minister also expressed his sincere appreciation for Japan’s continued assistance towards the development of Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage pointed out that the Fisheries Corporation has undergone a massive transformation under the current government. “In the past, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation was in a very critical condition, like a patient in the ICU with a ventilator tube. But now we have removed the tube and revived the Corporation. The government even took steps to pay the EPF/ETF arrears of employees of Rs. 700 million. This contribution from Japan is a great stimulus for the new journey of the Corporation,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Japanese Ambassador Isomata Akio observed that nearly 40% of Sri Lanka’s total fish harvest is lost due to post-harvest inefficiencies. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s national food security efforts by reducing such losses and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Ambassador also recalled that three ice production machines had previously been installed in these provinces under the same assistance programme.

The event was attended by Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources; Mohamed Nowras Nassar, Chairman of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation; Ajith Gihan, Member of Parliament for the Puttalam District; Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; B.A.P. Kapila Bamunuarachchi, Chairman of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation; Kithsiri Dharmapriya, Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority; Wasantha Mannapperuma, Chairman of the Cey-Nor Institute; and several senior officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka.