USAID continues to boost fishing industry

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) marked the completion of another of its large-scale tsunami reconstruction activities, the revitalisation of the Puranawella fishing harbour.

The harbour is the source of livelihoods for 11,000 fishermen and family members in this tsunami affected area., states a US Embassy release.

The Puranawella project is the largest of three fishing harbours rehabilitated under USAID's Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Programme and cost almost $5 million to complete. In total, USAID efforts to boost the nation's fishing industry following the 2004 tsunami have assisted over 22,000 fishermen and their families in southern Sri lanka.

All three projects have been developed in partnership with the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation under the aegis of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The fishing industry is vital to individual livelihoods in Puranawella and fishing plays an important role in Sri Lanka's national economy.

The completed reconstruction considerably increases the capacity of Puranawella fishing harbour.

Renovated and extended breakwaters now protect the boats inside the harbour from potentially damaging wave action; the auction hall has been renovated; and water and sanitation facilities enhanced to improve the working conditions for the fishermen.

"By helping to rebuild this harbour, the American people have helped improve the livelihood of fishermen on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, and thereby strengthened the fishing industry and the local economy more generally," U.S. Ambassador Robert Blake said at the opening ceremony.

Also addressing the opening ceremony were Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Felix Perera and Asanga Abeygoonasekera, Chairman of the Ceylon Fishery Harbour Corporation.