Japan provides 30 Freezer Trucks to tsunami damaged fishery harbours [Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 8.00 GMT]

Japan yesterday handed over 30 Freezer Trucks worth Japanese Yen 148.22 million (approximately Rs. 130 million) to enhance the restoration of the fisheries industry in tsunami affected areas. The Trucks are to be distributed to the tsunami affected fishery harbours throughout the country.
 
The Freezer Trucks will be utilized to transport the harvested fish to market places. At present, the fishermen are unable to get a good price for their catch as most of the harvest is either being sold for cheaper prices or spoilt due to lack of cold storage facilities and transport.  
  
This assistance is a part of the Rs. 8 billion (US$ 80 million) provided under the Japanese Non-Project Grant Aid for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of a wide range of tsunami-affected sectors including fisheries, housing, power, roads, health, education and water and sanitation sectors. Out of this total grant, Rs. 2 billion was allocated to the fisheries sector, considering the economical and social importance of the industry. The 2 billion rupees has being utilized for providing the much needed fisheries facilities such as freezer trucks, boats and accessories, ice plants, cold storage, reconstruction of Galle and Tangalle fishery harbours and other necessary inputs.      
 
The Freezer Trucks were handed over by Mr. Hiroshi Karube, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan to Honorable Felix Perera, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at a ceremony, at the Ceylon Fishery Cooperation. Mr. E. Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mr. Jude Fernando, Chairman, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, Mr. Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, Chairman, Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation, Mr. Yasuhiro Watanabe, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan and other distinguished guests were present at the occasion.
 

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Last Updated Date: July 18, 2006 -8.00 GMT