A special workshop was held in Ampara yesterday (19th of August, 2025) to mark the successful completion of the “Technical Cooperation Project” implemented to enhance the aquaculture sector in Ampara district under the financial contribution of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The main objective was to share the results and experiences of the project.
The FAO had funded a financial cost of US $ 150,000 for this project, and its primary objective was to bring the aquaculture sector in Ampara district to a higher level and make it a model for other districts. This project helped to test and further strengthen the “Wewa Ape Kamhalai” concept presented by the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA).
The following development activities were implemented under the project:
* Renovation of dilapidated ponds at the Aquaculture Development Center in Inginiyagala.
* Provision of electricity, new breeding ponds and hatchery jars to the Ekgaloya Fish Breeding Unit.
* Provision of a Feed Mill to the Raja Wewa fishing community.
* Preparation of business plans and stocking plans of fish fry for five selected tanks (Pannalgama, Konduwatuwana, Himidurawa, Ekgaloya, Namal Oya) under the “Wewa Ape Kamhalai” program.
* Providing training on 'Good Fishery Practices' for fishermen with the participation of Professor Upul Amarasinghe.
* Conducting a socio-economic study of these tanks by the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
This workshop was attended by government officials, representatives of various institutions and representatives of the fishing communities around the tanks where the project was implemented.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) -Kithsiri Dharmapriya said, "The experience gained through this project is extremely valuable. This project has given us great strength to turn the concept of ‘Wewa ape kamhalay’into a reality. Based on this experience, in the future, we aim to introduce Key performance indicators (KPIs) for officials and establish self-financing fisheries management and aquaculture in the country."
He further said that in the future, efforts will be made to expand the knowledge and experience gained through this project to other parts of the island.
