A financial assistance package worth Rs. 135.7 million was distributed today (29) to small-scale shrimp farmers in the Puttalam District who suffered severe losses due to Cyclone ‘Dittwa’.
The support aims to help affected farmers resume their aquaculture activities and was presented at the ‘Sudasuna’ Hall in Chilaw under the patronage of Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar.
Cheques were distributed to 331 farmers, with Rs. 450,000 granted to farmers who had shrimp stocks in their ponds at the time of the cyclone, and Rs. 250,000 provided to those whose ponds and infrastructure were damaged despite not having stocked shrimp.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar emphasized that the government’s objective is to restore confidence among small-scale entrepreneurs whose livelihoods have been disrupted by natural disasters.
“Today is a very happy day for us. Although the farmers affected by the cyclone have already begun cultivation for the new season, we found that many lacked sufficient funds to purchase shrimp feed. Therefore, in response to their request, we are providing this financial assistance to help them continue their business activities. Our goal is to guide this industry towards a more profitable and sustainable future through the use of modern technology,” the Minister stated.
Speaking at the event, Puttalam District Parliamentarian, Mr. Ajith Gihan noted that the government has so far allocated Rs. 1.8 billion to strengthen the shrimp farming industry. He further stated that a new programme will be introduced to bring together producers, exporters, and farmers to increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya, the Additional District Secretary of Puttalam, representatives of the Sri Lanka Aquaculture Development Alliance (SLADA), and the officials of the Provincial Council.
