The Minutes of Discussion has been signed between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) for granting of Grab Hopper Dredger Machine.
This support under Japanese Grant Aid Scheme will strengthen the maintenance dredging capacity at the fishery harbors under purview of the Ceylon Fishery Harbors Corporation (CFHC), Sri Lanka.
The signing was taken place at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development. Minister, Dr. Rajitha Senarathna, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Dr. Damitha De Zoysa, Chairman CFHC, Mr. Upali Liyanage, General Manager CFHC,Mr. G.P.Abeysekara from GOSL and Chief Representative, Mr. Harumi Ao from JICA Sri Lanka office graced this occasion.
JICA had dispatched a study team with the request of the government of Sri Lanka for conducting a preparatory survey on present situation of maintenance dredging at the fishery harbors of all around the country. The preparatory survey team with support of the officials of the Ceylon Fishery Harbor Corporation (CFHC) found out that the capacity of the existing maintenance dredging fleet is insufficient to cater the required volume of maintenance dredging. Therefore a new dredging machine with annual dredging capacity of 63,000 m3 is proposed to introduce to the existing fleet.
Government of Japan through their Project execution arm of JICA has considered provision of Grab Hopper Dredger Machine designed for the above capacity. JICA is also planning to sign a Grant Aid Agreement on provision of Grab Hopper Dredger Machine in the near future, after taking approval from government of Japan.
With the supply of grab hopper dredger, it will be able to carry out the maintenance dredging in accordance with a proper dredging plan, the accidents caused due to the sedimentation would be avoided and the smooth navigation of fishing boats in the navigation channels and harbors could be secured, which consequently could improve the productivity and profitability of fishing activities and contribute to produce the employment, to earn the foreign currency and to supply animal protein for the peoples of Sri Lanka.
“This will be another milestone of JICA’s continuous support to the Sri Lankan fishery sector and friendship between two countries ”, says Mr. Harumi Ao, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office .
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Press Release, January 16, 2013