Japan brings Doppler Radar with Rs. 300 Mn grant

by Zulfick Farzan 23-11-2023 | 3:48 PM

Colombo (News 1st): Japan will be providing over Rs. 300 Million (JPY 160 Million) for the Establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar Network.

In addition, it will provide a JPY 200 Million-Grant Assistance to boost North-East fisheries infrastructure.

The Exchange of Notes on the Japanese Grant Aid for 2 projects were signed by MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and K. M. M. Siriwardana, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, representing the respective governments.

The first grant, amounting to JPY 200 million (approximately Rs. 435 million), is designated for enhancing the North-East Fisheries infrastructure, while the second grant, totaling JPY 160 million (approximately Rs. 335 million), additional grant for The Project for the Establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar Network.

In an effort to enhance Sri Lanka's short-term weather forecasting capabilities and mitigate the impact of meteorological disasters, the Japanese government has been supporting the establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar Network since June 30, 2017.

Due to the current economic crisis, an additional grant aid has been provided for this project.

Given the increasing severity of Sri Lanka's weather-related disasters such as heavy rainfall and droughts, the additional grant aid is expected to contribute to the establishment of the Doppler Weather Radar Network, furthering efforts to mitigate the impact of meteorological disasters, said the Embassy of Japan in Colombo.

The grant of approximately Rs. 435 million will empower the Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation with ice production machines and digital scales, equip the National Aquaculture Development Authority with advanced fishing gear, and provide the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department with deep freezers and tractors equipped with deep freezers. This investment aims to fortify the fisheries industry by expanding freezer facilities and supplying modern equipment, ultimately increasing the value of fisheries production and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

The Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka expresses its commitment to fostering continued collaboration and goodwill between the two nations, addressing shared challenges and building a resilient future.