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Friday September 12, 2025 7:06 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – A four-member delegation from India’s Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery (CICEF) conducted preliminary studies for the proposed development of the Point Pedro fishery harbour in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province during a five-day visit, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a statement.

The team, representing the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of the Government of India, was in Sri Lanka from September 8 to 12, where it met key stakeholders and carried out site inspections.

During their visit, the delegation held talks with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan, senior ministry officials, and the Chief Secretary of the province.

The discussions focused on modalities of developing the harbour with Indian financial assistance.

The delegation also toured the Point Pedro site during the visit, accompanied by Sri Lankan fisheries ministry officials and local representatives, to assess technical requirements for the proposed project.

The Indian High Commission said the initiative marks an important step in boosting regional fisheries infrastructure and livelihoods in the Northern Province, which has long relied on small-scale fishing as an economic lifeline.

“This project will directly contribute to improving the livelihoods of local fishermen while strengthening regional development,” the High Commission said in a statement.

The Point Pedro development follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Sri Lanka in March 2022 on cooperation in fisheries harbour projects. It is one of several ongoing initiatives underscoring India’s growing development partnership with Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern Province.

The project highlights New Delhi’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in sustainable fisheries and supporting the socio-economic recovery of fishing communities in Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission said. (Colombo/September 12/2025)