With the objective of empowering communities engaged in both marine and inland fisheries in the Southern Province, a series of special programs were held on March 13 in the Matara and Galle districts to distribute fishing gear and fish crates valued at Rs. 8.6 million.
These initiatives were carried out under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Ratna Gamage, with financial provisions allocated by the Southern Provincial Ministry of Fisheries.
At a ceremony held at the Gamini Jayasekara Auditorium of the Matara District Secretariat, a range of essential equipment—including boats, fishing rods, nets, fish boxes, and both small and large net cages—was provided to members of the fishing community in the Matara District. At the same time, mobile fish vendors in the Galle District received newly introduced fish crates at the Labuduwa Dakshinapaya premises, aimed at improving the efficiency and hygiene of their services.
The Matara event was attended by Member of Parliament Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama, Matara District Secretary Chandana Thilakaratne, and Secretary to the Southern Provincial Ministry of Fisheries Ranjith Yapa.
Images from the Matara District Secretariat ceremony.
The Galle ceremony saw the participation of Provincial Fisheries Ministry Secretary, Director Nuwan Gunaratne, Galle Assistant Fisheries Director Inoka Gamage, and District Fisheries Coordinator Nalaka Sampath.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage emphasized the vital role of the fishing community in strengthening the national economy. He stated that providing the necessary technical and physical resources to improve livelihoods and enhance productivity in the sector remains a key responsibility of the government. He further expressed confidence that the distribution of this equipment would contribute to more efficient fisheries production and marketing across the Southern Province.
Images from the Galle District Secretariat ceremony.:
