By Don Asoka Wijewardena
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that the Ministry was positive that by expanding the cultivation of aquatic plants, Sri Lanka would be able to earn a substantial amount of foreign exchange through exports to many countries. It had already initiated aquatic plant cultivation in the coastal areas of the north and east successfully. This was said at a ceremony held to distribute life saving equipment to nearly 200 fishermen in Chilaw recently.
Many countries, including Japan had placed orders for aquatic plants. Through the project around 20,000 men and women would be able to secure employment opportunities, he said.
Minister Senaratne said that the Regional Fisheries Livelihood Programme implemented by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization had donated life-saving equipment to fishermen worth Rs. 9 million. The equipment consisted of life-saving coats, GSP and VHF radio equipment, first aid boxes and safer sailing equipment.
The principal aim of the programme was to save fishermen who were prone to several sea accidents. To prevent such accidents all fishermen would be trained in the use of life-saving equipment. At first the equipment would be given to fishermen in Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam, he said.
Minister Senaratne requested the fishermen not to keep the life-saving equipment at home and go to sea. The fishermen going to sea should take the equipment because it would be of great assistance if they fell into trouble. The radio equipment were capable of informing the land units what was happening in boats in the sea.
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=37611
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Over 20,000 self-employment opportunities through sea plant farming
Ridma Dissanayake
Sea plant farming will create over 20,000 self-employment opportunities and help earn more foreign revenue, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne.
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne distributing a life guard equipment set to a fisherman in Chilaw. Puttalam district MP Victor Antony Biyanwila, Wayamba Provincial Fisheries Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera and FAO Sri Lanka Representative Patric Evans were also present.
He was addressing the life guard equipment distributing ceremony in Chilaw.
According to the minister, the ministry has begun sea plant farming in the North East coastal line as a model project. "Sri Lanka has the opportunity to earn more foreign revenue by exporting sea plants to countries such as Japan," he said. Minister Senaratne added that all measures will be taken by the government to uplift the livelihoods of people and the ministry is committed to uplift the fishing community. The ministry will implement several programmes to support the country's development, he said.
The ministry distributed life guard equipment sets under the Uplifting Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme, carries out by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Rs.10 million has been spent for these equipment.
Around 200 fishermen received life guard equipment sets and coats, first aid sets, GPS and VHF radio equipment sets and other essential equipment used in fishing. The ministry had organized this programme with the aim of providing training to fishermen on life guard and preventing accidents.
Training will be conducted in Negombo, Puttalam and other districts. Over 1,350 persons will benefit through this programme.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/10/25/news51.asp
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