Sri Lanka is preparing a fisheries development project with Japan’s international cooperation agency to reduce the quantity of fish lost after harvesting, with a further feasibility study scheduled before the government proceeds with the main investment.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources is working towards a cooperation arrangement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, known as JICA.
According to an October 24 government announcement, an initial assessment of the industry’s post-harvest losses has already been completed.
The findings will be used to prepare a proposal covering post-harvest handling and cold-chain development.
Further study planned through February
Ministry officials discussed the next stage of the programme during a meeting held on October 22 under the chairmanship of Ministry Secretary Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa.
The meeting agreed to undertake further feasibility work before implementing the proposed project.
Data collection is scheduled to begin in November 2026 and continue until February 28, 2027.
The assessment will examine selected locations representing coastal and deep-sea fishing operations around Sri Lanka.
Researchers are expected to identify where fish is lost and examine the reasons for those losses.
Initial assessment completed
The ministry has identified the need to address post-harvest losses.
November 2026
Further feasibility work and data collection are scheduled to begin.
28 February 2027
Planned completion of the additional study.
Following assessment
The main project is expected to be considered using the findings and recommendations.
Losses can occur before fish reaches the market
Fish quality depends on handling and temperature control from the time a catch is brought aboard a vessel.
Delays in cooling, unsuitable storage conditions and interruptions during transport can reduce the quantity of fish suitable for sale.
Some losses may involve physical spoilage. Others can occur when quality deterioration reduces the commercial value of an otherwise usable catch.
The planned assessment is intended to examine these problems across different fishing operations.
Coastal vessels and deep-sea fishing vessels have different operating patterns, which can affect the equipment and storage arrangements required.
The government has not yet published measurements showing how much fish is lost nationally through these processes.
Investment value remains undisclosed
The October 24 announcement does not identify the expected cost of the proposed cold-chain programme.
It also does not disclose the amount of financing JICA may provide or whether the arrangement will involve grants, loans or technical assistance.
No list of proposed cold-storage facilities or equipment purchases was included.
Needs assessment: Completed.
Further feasibility study: Planned.
Project financing: No amount disclosed.
Construction contracts: None announced.
Expected reduction in fish losses: No quantified target published.
The programme remains at the assessment and project-development stage.
Its eventual investment requirements will depend on the problems identified at the selected fishing locations and the technical solutions proposed.
Fuel and refrigeration costs also affect the industry
Fishing operations depend on fuel for vessels and transport, while cold-storage facilities require reliable electricity.
Those operating costs influence the commercial viability of improvements to the seafood supply chain.
The JICA proposal concerns reducing losses after fish is caught. It does not announce a separate fuel-support programme for fishing vessels.
Project design will follow the evidence collected
The ministry expects the feasibility study to provide information on the causes and extent of losses in coastal and deep-sea fishing.
Japanese technology may form part of the eventual development programme.
The government has not identified specific equipment suppliers or confirmed that any particular refrigeration system will be installed.
Investment decisions are expected to follow the assessment and preparation of the final project proposal.
