Over Rs 300 million in loans for fishermen

Over Rs.300 million has been allocated to provide loans for the fisher community who have been affected by the Tsunami under the Diyawara Sawiya loan scheme, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne.

The programme is implemented by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry in collaboration with International Funds for Agricultural Development (IFAD) project. Seven fishing districts have been affected by the Tsunami in 2004 and a number of fishing families have been displaced.

They have lost their livelihoods. The ministry has taken measures to uplift their livelihoods. The minister was addressing a loan certificate distribution ceremony at the Beruwala Divisional Secretariat Office recently.

The minister distributed loan certificates to the value of Rs 8 million to fisheries families at Beruwala. He distributed equipment which are essential to their self employments.

Under the Diyawara Sawiya loan scheme, the fisheries ministry will provide Rs 100,000 for a woman. Measures are in place to distribute Rs 300 million among 3,000 fishing housewives.

Training and the market which are needed by self employers will be provided. Diyawara Sawiya will be launched in Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee.

The Bank of Ceylon agreed to pay their assistance to the project and the government will provide loans under the low interest rate of 5.5 percent, the minister said.