Japan donates Rs. 200 Mn refrigerated truck fleet to boost fish distribution

Colombo, June 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Government of Japan has donated six refrigerated trucks valued at Rs. 200 million to Sri Lanka's Ministry of Fisheries, strengthening the distribution network of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC) and supporting efforts to reduce post-harvest fish losses.

The official handover ceremony was held at the CFC Headquarters in Colombo, where Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, ISOMATA Akio, formally presented the vehicles to Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

Speaking at the event, Minister Chandrasekar highlighted the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan and expressed appreciation for Japan's continued assistance. He noted that the refrigerated trucks would help preserve the quality of fish products, ensure consumers receive fresher produce, and significantly reduce wastage throughout the distribution process.

Deputy Fisheries Minister Ratna Gamage said the donation comes at a time when the CFC is undergoing a major revival. He noted that the government had taken steps to settle Rs. 700 million in outstanding EPF and ETF arrears owed to employees and described the Japanese assistance as a major boost to the corporation's ongoing transformation.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Isomata said that nearly 40 percent of Sri Lanka's fish harvest is currently lost after landing and emphasized Japan's commitment to helping the country improve food security and strengthen the livelihoods of fishing communities, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

He also said that Japan has already supported the establishment of three ice manufacturing plants in those provinces under the same assistance programme aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.

Among those attending the ceremony were Fisheries Ministry Secretary Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, CFC Chairman Mohamed Nawras Nasar, and senior representatives from the Fisheries Ministry and the Embassy of Japan.