Netherlands support to revive tsunami affected fishing sector

The Netherlands Government has disbursed Rupees 625,500,000 out of its Dutch Development Co-operation budget, as a grant for support to the Government of Sri Lanka, for the construction of multi-day boats and one-day boats damaged by tsunami, a release by the Finance and Planning Ministry said.

The tsunami has damaged 157 multi-day boats and 234 one-day boats beyond repair. These types of boats, account for 60 per cent of the fish harvest of Sri Lanka are key to the livelihoods of a substantial number of people living in the coastal belt.

The Government together with affected fishermen, fishing associations, local boat manufacturers and commercial banks, has designed a transparent and accountable scheme to refleet the multi-day boats and one-day boats.

The scheme consisting of grant component and soft loan component will cover the construction cost of the boat hull and the funding requirements of boat engine and fishing gear.

The financial support provided by the Netherlands Government, will cover the entire grant component for the construction of 157 multi-day boats and 234 one-day boats.

The Netherlands supports the Government in the implementation of the post-tsunami reconstruction process.

Where possible, the Netherlands will channel its tsunami support directly to the Government, using existing modalities and institutions for implementation.

The agreement between the two Governments for the provision of SLR 625,500,000 was signed on October 24.