Safety equipment for small-scale fishermen

Over 150 small-scale fishermen in the Puttalam district will benefit from safety equipment distributed by the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (RFLP), an initiative funded by the Kingdom of Spain and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The equipment which included GPS systems, life rings, first aid kits, life jackets and VHF radios, was handed over to fishermen at a ceremony on July 22, at the Coastal Environmental Centre in Kandakuliya, Puttalam District.

RFLP Regional Programme Manager Jose Parajua said, “small-scale fishermen in Sri Lanka face considerable risks on a daily basis. This equipment will save lives, reducing the vulnerability of fishermen and their families.”

RFLP has also delivered a comprehensive series of training sessions for over 800 small-scale fishermen on first aid, survival at sea, safe diving, fire fighting and out-board engine repair. “By providing training to those who can train others, RFLP has made a significant contribution to the safety of fishermen in Sri Lanka,” Parajua said.

RFLP is operational in Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam, and is implemented by the FAO in collaboration with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry.