Distribution of Kerosene donated by Chinese Government to Fishermen of Sri Lanka is held under the auspices of Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, state Minister Piyal Nishantha and the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Qi Zhenhong, on 2023-05-23 at Panadura Fisheries Harbour.
Free distribution of Kerosene to 27000 Fishing Boats island-wide ( 150 liters per boat) is commenced from today, through 128 Filling stations.
Expressing views at the gathering Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda stated that China maintains a close friendship with Sri Lanka for a long period and provides various grants and assistance to Sri Lanka. As one of the Chinese relief measures during the fuel crisis, Sri Lanka received a stock of Diesel, in order to distribute free of charge among the affected farmers and fishermen. Expressing views further, the Minister stated that it was a pleasure for him to change the stock of Diesel into Kerosene and distribute it to the fishermen under the auspices of the Chinese Ambassador.
Expressing views further the Minister stated that the Chinese Government provided us with Diesel and he could change the diesel into Kerosene after the discussion with the President and the Chinese Ambassador. The Minister requested the Chinese government to provide aid to the local fishermen in the future as well.
The Minister added that the fishermen in Sri Lanka spend nearly 5000/ to 10000/ rupees for Kerosene daily and in order to minimize these expenses, a Sri Lankan Private Engineering Company has manufactured a boat engine operated by an electric battery and the introduction of this engine will be held today. Chinese Ambassador’s participation for this introduction is a pleasure for him and he would like to request the Chinese Ambassador to explore the possibilities to develop the Electric Battery- operated Engines with the aid of the Chinese Government.
The Minister further stated that he would like to invite Chinese Businessmen to invest in the tourism sector at Panadura Fisheries Harbour, making it a Tourist’s Paradise.
Expressing views the state Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha stated that China is a country that provides aid to Sri Lanka on a large scale and Sri Lanka anticipates more aid to overcome the economic crisis. He expressed his pleasure for the participation of the Chinese Ambassador in this event and for the ability to provide Kerosene instead of Diesel.
Expressing views Chinese Ambassador stated that Sri Lanka and China have a long-term friendship and would stand for the protection of that friendship, and the Chinese Government hopes to provide fishing nets, boats, and houses for fishermen in the future.
Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Mrs. Indu Rathnayake and the Chairman of the Moratuwa Divisional Development Committee Parliamentarian Jayantha Ketagoda addressed the gathering. Additional Secretary to the Fisheries Ministry Mr. Dhammika Ranathunga, Former Mayor of Moratuwa Mr. Saman Lal, Director General of the Fisheries Department Mr. Susantha Kahawaththa and the Chairman of the Fisheries Harbour Corporation Mr. Nilanga Jayawardana and a group of Officials attended the event.
