Nineteen fishermen affected by the Ditwah disaster in Kilinochchi District have received boats on a subsidy basis to help restore their livelihoods. Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar led the programme, which aims to support fishing communities affected by disasters and help develop the district’s fisheries sector.
Fishermen from affected communities, including Thattuvankottai, received support under the initiative.
Boats to Help Fishermen Return to Work
The boats were provided to selected fishermen as part of efforts to help affected families rebuild their livelihoods.
The programme focuses on restoring fishing activities while supporting the wider fisheries sector in Kilinochchi District.
Representatives of fishermen’s associations also attended the event, along with the Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries in Kilinochchi District and the district coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka national programme.
Fishermen Get Local ID Card Service
Alongside the boat distribution, authorities introduced a new system to print and issue fishermen’s identity cards in Kilinochchi.
Previously, fishermen had to travel to the department’s head office in Colombo to obtain their identity cards.
Under the first phase of the new service, 20 fishermen received new identity cards in Kilinochchi.
Local issuance is expected to save fishermen both time and travel costs, while making the service easier to access within the district.
Corporate Social Responsibility Developments Ministerial Update
Last modified: October 21, 2026
