Development of four inland fishing villages begins

State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dilip Wedaarachchi this weekend inaugurated the development activities of four inland fishery villages under the “Diyawara Aruna with Tank and Village” rural fisheries village development project.

The Diyawara Aruna Rural Inland Fisheries Village Development Program is being implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, under the supervision and direction of the National Aquaculture Development Authority.

Under the program, over Rs. 20 million will be spent for the development of the four villages. Each village is allocated over Rs. 5 million.

A number of development projects are being implemented in each village, including the development of access roads, restoration of tanks and tank bunds, development of common amenities, skills development, livelihood development programs, and social development programs.

Development activities were launched under the patronage of Minister Wedaarachchi in Walasmulla, Omara West Village, and Bowala West Village, Udayala and Bedigama North.

The National Aquaculture Development Authority will also develop the freshwater fisheries industry and uplift the economy of the people, by depositing fingerlings in reservoirs and tanks, as well as establishing and empowering the rural fisheries associations.