Mar 08, Colombo: The Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) has provided US$ 65,735 (approximately Rs. 8.2 million) grant aid for a food security and income generation project in Mannar District in Northern Sri Lanka.

The National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA) will implement the "The Project for Promoting Inland Aquaculture in Mannar".

It would contribute to enhance the food security and income generation of the recently resettled communities in Sirikkulama village in Mannar District.

The project will help to construct a Hatchery including ten mud ponds, sediment tanks, canals for water supply and drainage, a service building, necessary equipment and provide training in Aquaculture and Inland Fishery.

The target of constructing mini hatchery is to produce 2 million fingerlings per year which will be stocked in a Giant Tank and other reservoirs in Mannar District.

Around 108 fishery society members would benefit directly from the project and nearly 70,000 fishermen in Mannar District would benefit indirectly.

Ambassador of Japan Nobuhito Hobo and Director General of National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA) Nimal Chandrarathne signed the Grant Contract Thursday (March 07) at the Ambassador's Residence in Colombo in the presence of Professor Rajiva Wijesinha, Advisor to the President on Reconciliation.