Galle, December 16 - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (MFAR) distributed 6 motorcycles to 6 fisheries cooperative societies in Galle this week. The motorcycles will support the ability of the cooperative societies to market their produce. This distribution was made as part of a project funded by the Italian Civil Protection Department.
"These motorcycles will be a great help because it will help our members sell fresh fish to the surrounding communities" said Kumarawadu Silawanda Opasinghe, Chairman of the Boossa Fisheries Cooperative Society.
FAO's project funded by the Italian Civil Protection is providing a total of 35 motorcycles to 35 tsunami - affected Fisher Cooperative Societies throughout Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Trincomalee districts as part of its programme to support post - harvest and marketing activities. This contribution will enhance the marketing ability of approximately 7 000 tsunami affected fishers.
Ice boxes fixed to the back of the motorcycles will ensure that fish stay fresh while it is transported. These will add value to fish caught by members of the Fisheries Cooperative Societies as they ensure that their fresh produce is sold quickly before it spoils.
FAO is the UN's coordinating agency for the rehabilitation of the fisheries and agriculture sectors in Sri Lanka. Whilst FAO and the Sri Lankan government's immediate priority following the tsunami disaster has been to get the fishers fishing and farmers farming again as soon as possible, the longer-term strategy is to improve the sectors as a whole with a view to raising the incomes of coastal communities.
For more information contact Mona Chaya, FAO Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Coordinator in Sri Lanka Tel: 011-2689363 / 4