Oct 18, Colombo: Japan today handed over a self-propelled grab hopper dredger constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.2 billion to Sri Lanka today develop country's fishery industry.
The handing over ceremony of a self-propelled grab hopper dredger named "Sayuru" took place today (October 18) at the Dikkowita Fishery Harbor with the participation of Minister for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and Japan's Ambassador to Colombo Mr. Nobuhito Hobo.
The design and construction work of the dredger commenced in October 2013 in Hiroshima, Japan and the delivery of the dredger took place today ahead of the original schedule.
The total construction cost of the dredger at Japanese Yen 988 million (approximately Rs. 1.2 billion was borne by the Government of Japan under its Grant Aid scheme.
A study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on a request by the Sri Lankan government has found that Sri Lanka's existing maintenance dredging capacity is insufficient at the country's fishery harbors.
The Japanese government last year granted Rs 1.38 billion to Sri Lanka for the procurement of the self-propelled grab hopper dredger to meet the dredging needs.
According to the Fisheries Ministry, the 49.9 meter long and 11.5 meter wide dredger with a gross tonnage of 624 tons has a depth of 3.4 meters. It is powered by twin 625 kw engines.
The dredging crane has a boom length of 19.5 meters with a hoisting capacity of 11 tons.
The new dredging machine will add an annual dredging capacity of 63,000 cubic meters to the existing fleet.
Sayuru is equipped with modern navigation and radio equipment making it one of the most technically advanced dredgers ever to be received by Sri Lanka.
Sayuru would bolster the dredging capacity of Ceylon Fisheries and Harbors Corporation to meet the demand for maintaining the operational depth of fishery harbors to ensure the unhindered fishing activities of the fishermen, the Ministry said.
In addition, the accidents caused by the sedimentation would be avoided and the smooth navigation of the fishing boats in the navigation channels and harbors could be secured.
Over time, it is expected that the social and economic status of fishermen would be augmented and there would be an enhancement in the supply of fish protein to the people of Sri Lanka. All fishery harbors around the nation are expected to benefit from the dredger.
Japan has previously provided a similar dredger to Sri Lanka during 1988/89 period.
Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Sarath Kumara Gunarathne and the Chief Representative of JICAin Sri Lanka Mr. Kiyoshi Amada also participated in the occasion.
Sri Lanka : Japan hands over self-propelled grab hopper dredger to Sri Lanka
