Japan provides Rs. 2.4 b grant aid for Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project

The Government of Japan granted Japanese Yen 1,830 million (approximately Rs. 2.4 billion) to the Government of Sri Lanka for the implementation of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement project.

This project aims to contribute to the improvement of the maritime safety capability of Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) by enabling SLCG to procure two petrol vessels to ensure safety navigation of vessels, anti-piracy, transnational crime countermeasures and prevention of destruction of marine environment and resources. 

This grant aid will be utilised for procurement of two 30m-class patrol vessels, including the construction of vessels, sea transportation from Japan to Sri Lanka, and familiarisation training for coast guard personnel.  The new patrol vessels are manufactured using steel in the hull and aluminum alloy in superstructure and each are equipped with two sets of water jet type propulsion system and driven by two sets of marine diesel engines.

The signing of the Exchange of Notes took place yesterday between Kenichi Suganuma, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning at the Ministry premises. Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunga, Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard was also present at the signing ceremony.