India supports livelihood development of 70,000 in Hambantota District

In a special ceremony held yesterday (9 April) at Nonagama Cultural Centre in Ambalantota, Hambantota District, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu jointly launched a project to provide livelihood support to nearly 70,000 people from the farming and fishing communities in Hambantota District.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry Secretary Jagath P. Wijeweera, Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation Chairman Amarananda Abeygunasekara, senior leaders from the Southern Province, officials from the Government of Sri Lanka and a large number of beneficiaries attended the function.

The project envisages supporting livelihood activities by providing useful tools and equipment to the beneficiaries. In particular, 7000 bicycles, 1000 sewing machines and 60000 grub hoes will be disbursed to beneficiaries. Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Corporation is the implementing agency for the project and the Government of India has provided Rs. 138 million as grant assistance for this purpose. It is expected that close to 70,000 persons and families will be able to improve their incomes and enhance their livelihood, thanks to this project.

Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner Sandhu emphasised the importance of capacity building and recalled the numerous projects being implemented all over Sri Lanka with Indian assistance. He reiterated India’s readiness to continue to assist Sri Lanka wherever possible and whenever needed. He highlighted the enormous strides made by India in the field of agriculture, and offered to share expertise and technical assistance in this sector. Minister Amaraweera thanked India for its support for this important project.

This project is a continuation of the Government of India’s commitment to assist the Government of Sri Lanka as part of the bilateral development partnership. India’s overall commitment for development assistance to Sri Lanka stands at a total of around $ 2.9 billion, out of which $ 545 million is pure grant assistance.