Japan helps to strengthen operation of CFHC

The Minutes of Discussion signed between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Government of Sri Lanka yesterday for granting of grab hopper dredger machine.

This support under the Japanese grant aid scheme will strengthen the maintenance dredging capacity at the fishery harbours under purview of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours 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, CFHC Chairman Upali Liyanage, CFHC General Manager G.P. Abeysekara from the Government of Sri Lanka and JICA Sri Lanka office chief representative Harumi Ao 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 harbours of all around the country.

The preparatory survey team with support of the officials of the 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.

The 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 harbours could be secured.

This could consequently 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,” Harumi Ao said.