Japan Provides 3 New Grant Aid Projects

On 18 March 2024, the Exchange of Notes on the Japanese Grant Aid for 3 projects were signed by H.E. Mr. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, representing the respective governments. The first project, amounting to JPY 200 million (approximately Rs. 416 million), is targeted at the protection of fishermen in the North and Eastern provinces, while the second one, totaling JPY 404 million (approximately Rs. 842 million), is designed for women's support in the North province, and the third one, totaling JPY 1 billion (approximately Rs. 2 billion), is to improve the capacity to respond to maritime oil spills along the coastal regions.

(1) Support for Safety of Fishermen in Northern and Eastern Province

Through the Ministry of Fisheries, equipment related to fishermen's protection will be provided to the North and Eastern provinces. The provision of Japanese-made emergency boat and rescue boat aims to improve the capacity to respond to maritime accidents and enhance the protection and survival rates of fishermen in the North and Eastern provinces. Additionally, this support aims to promote fisheries development by improving the safety of fishing environments.

(2) Support for Women in the Northern Province

Equipment related to women's support, including maternal and child health equipment through the Northern Provincial Health Department, and industrial sewing machines for vocational training through the Ministry of Education, will be provided to enhance women's livelihoods through maternal and child health and capacity development of women in the North Province. This assistance is expected to contribute to the protection and economic empowerment of women.

(3) Support for Improving Oil Spill Response & Management Capacity of SLCG

Equipment related to oil spill response (vessels for oil boom, oil recovery sets, etc.) will be provided to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to enhance the capacity to respond to maritime oil spills along the coastal regions. This support aims to enable prompt response to oil spill accidents, prevent the spread of damage, and protect the marine environment.

The Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka is committed to contributing to the development of Sri Lanka across various sectors. Through these grants, Japan aims to support Sri Lanka's efforts in fisheries protection, women's empowerment, and maritime safety, reflecting the shared commitment to building and maintaining a free and open maritime order.