The tsunami ravaged the Sri Lankan fishing industry, destroying about half of all fishing boats, taking many lives from the fishing community, leaving many homeless and wiping out the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on the industry to support them and their families.
Revitalising the fishing industry
Through its umbrella project for the fishing industry – called Fishermen’s Friends - Friends of the South is implementing a variety of measures to restart the local fishing community and other businesses that depend on it.
Project focus
After the tsunami, FoS identified the only licensed boat builder in Galle. A plan to work closely with him to assist the broader fishing community was developed. Initially this involved helping him to reestablish his business, which was completely destroyed. Funds were provided to make new fishing boat moulds of differing sizes. A new workshop has been built with the generous help of Belgian army engineers. The workshop is currently used to build new boats and mend damaged boats. These boats are either 18 foot catamarans or 22 foot day boats. Most of his former workforce have now been reemployed.
New boats handed over
As of 10/7/2005, 31 newly made boats have been handed over to local fishermen.
Additional measures
FoS has taken other steps to assist the broader fishing community, including:
The provision of other equipment, including fishing lines and outriggers.
50 nets have been provided
Fish market stalls are being rebuilt and new equipment (such as knives) has been provided
High quality insulated fiberglass cool-boxes, to keep fish fresh for longer, have been given to seventeen small fish retail businesses as well as to some fishermen.
Future plans, engine repair
Many NGO’S and others are giving out new boats, but there are still fishermen who have received nothing and who can’t work. We will continue with new boatbuilding while there remain deserving cases. We now want to reestablish the engine repair side of Mr Jayatilaka’s workshop, as there are many damaged engines out there and they have to be sent to Colombo for repair which is costly and slow. We have ordered some new engines but lead times are several months. A functioning repair shop will be a great help to the local industry, with many fishermen still unable to fish due to damaged engines.
Funds allocated
As at 30/6/2006 we have allocated Rs3.95m (approx US$41,000) to Fishermen's Friends.
 "Fishermen's Friends (Click to enlarge)")
 "Fishing family (Click to enlarge)")
