Financial Times

USAID support for eastern fishermen
U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey J. Lunstead recently unveiled the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) support for six fishing societies in Ampara and Batticaloa Districts.

The USAID office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI) is assisting fishing societies along the Eastern coast from Pottuvil to Batticaloa. Fisher folk along this coastal strip have been seriously affected by 20 years of conflict and security restrictions on coastal waters. As a result of the cease-fire fishing communities in this area are returning to the sea.

Unfortunately, much of the basic equipment needed to sustain their livelihoods was destroyed or cannot be replaced, according to a US embassy press release. USAID/OTI, through its small grants programme, is supporting six fishing societies with basic "start-up" equipment that will be used by the society membership on a rotating basis.

Development assistance for each society is tailored specifically to its fishing needs, and may include boats, engines, nets and other fishing gear. USAID/OTI's assistance to the six fishing societies which is valued at over $160,000 and will benefit approximately 5,200 fishermen and family members.

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