Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries in partnership with the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation has launched a Post Tsunami Coastal Rehabilitation and Resource Management Project in seven districts. The project focuses on boosting economic activity by rebuilding harbours and small landing sites in the south and east.
The implementing partner of the project selected by the government of Sri Lanka – the United Nations Office For Project Services (UNOPS) which specializes in the Project Management of infrastructure development has taken Sri Lanka to the global map by being selected as one of the top four projects globally by UNOPS. The project is funded by IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development).
M. Prathapasinghe, Project Director Ministry of Fisheries, commended UNOPS ability to meet standards in terms of marine engineering and operational planning. The project team was able to mitigate construction risks and finish the project on schedule and thus being selected as a model project globally.
The fisheries sector plays an important part in generating livelihood for over 250 000 people in Sri Lanka. The tsunami in 2004 affected more than three quarters of the country’s fishing industry. The fishing fleet and related infrastructure were severely damaged.
Over 20 000 fishermen families benefited from the project. The construction of breakwaters and key walls provided safety to fishermen. Better facilities such as re-fueling pump, ice storage and auction hall helped increase income. For additional livelihood, families of fishermen are engaged in net-making and food processing.
The project is recognized by UNOPs headquarters as one of the 4 best projects of the year in building sustainable infrastructure. Francoise Jacob, UNOPS Director, who was thrilled with the global award, emphasized the need to strengthen skills of local communities to manage such infrastructure and ensure the project’s sustainability.
Global Media Networks Ltd