Colombo, 13 August 2007 - As part of a ceremonial handover organized by the Ministry and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (MFAR/DFAR), the Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapakse, personally took part in the distribution of 40 inboard (IB) engines to beneficiaries residing in the most vulnerable fisher communities. FAO purchased the engines worth Rs. 44 million to facilitate the resumption of multi-day fishing operations which had been hindered as a result of the tsunami. Beneficiary selection was duly performed by the MFAR and designed to address the immediate needs of beneficiaries.

As part of the handover, two engines were transported to the President's House by the Agents (Browns Group of Industries) and a number of beneficiaries were accordingly invited to grace the occasion. During the ceremony, the Director-General of the DFAR delivered a speech indicating beneficiaries had been selected from many tsunami-affected districts including, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kalutara. During his address, the FAO representative, Mr. Pote Chumsri, reiterated FAO's commitment to the rehabilitation of the fisheries sector, thanks to multi-donor contributions exceeding US$23 million from Japan, Norway, Belgium, Spain, Laos, Italy and the European Union. He expressly thanked the MFAR and the DFAR for their willingness to support the implementation of FAO projects and also informed the President that FAO is due to deliver an additional 285 outboard motor (OBM) engines for the east coast.

In addition, the President distributed two boats and engines to fishers who lost their boats as a result of a fire at the Kalametiya fish landing centre (Hambantota district) in late 2006. As a result, the18 fishers who suffered the loss of assets were provided with a MFAR-funded 6-7 metre fibreglass reinforced plastic boat and a 25 hp OBM engine costing Rs. 375 000. All 18 beneficiaries were present on the occasion.

The President's closing remarks gave appreciation to FAO for supporting the rehabilitation of the fisheries sector. Further, the President reaffirmed that improving the plight of tsunami-affected fishers was a Government priority. He recalled that as a former Minister of Fisheries, the restoration of the fisheries sector is still close to his heart. Furthermore, the President stressed the need to tap offshore fishery resources, paving the way for sector-wide economic development and pledged Government support for the achievement of these goals.