Expansion of fishery project

Soon after finishing the most urgent repair work in Mirissa and Weligama we expanded our activities up to Galle with the opening of two workshops for inboard engines. Currently only one is still operational as we are nearing completion. Altogether we have fixed here 38 engines. This initiative is closely monitored by the Belgian army.

On 17th March another workshop was opened in Dondra. Roughly 40 inboard engines need to be repaired in this area, but with 7 or 8 technicians, trained by the Belgian army we hope to finish the job shortly. This workshop will in addition serve the region of Gandara as it is close by.

More in the south, in Matara area, we plan to undertake repairs of in- and outboard engines together with the NGO Caritas. In total 16 in- and 14 outboard engines are waiting and 29 boats which need fibreglass repair will be handed over to the workshop of the Belgian army in Mirissa. Also here 4 Srilankans were trained to reinforce our team. In Mirissa and Weligama we go on with fibre work repair of one-day boats (28 feet). Most probably the remaining 7 vessels will be done by next week.

More than 30 people living in the south got a professional schooling for fibreglass, engines or other items and are now employed by the Belgian army or the 'Sri Lanka Southern Coast Reconstruction Program'. Our fishery project is not only meant to assist the fishermen, but to develop the whole community. This concept allows us to proceed very fast with the work whilst young people take advantage of a proper schooling, earnings and work experience.