Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Sarath Kumara Gunarathne, Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Nobuhito Hobo the Ambassador of Japan, Kiyoshi Amada, the Chief Representative of JICA, Sri Lanka Office, and other dignitaries would grace this occasion.

The construction cost of the dredger totaling JPY 988 million (approximately LKR 1.2 billion), was entirely borne by the Government of Japan under its Grant Aid scheme. The design and construction work of the dredger commenced in October 2013 in Hiroshima, Japan and its delivery will take place ahead of the original schedule. The overall length of the dredger is 49.90m, with a breadth and depth of 11.50m and 3.40m, respectively. The gross tonnage is 624tons. It is powered by twin 625 kw engines. The dredging crane has a boom length of 19.50m with a hoisting capacity of 11.0t. Sayuru is equipped with modern navigation and radio equipment making it one of the most technically advanced dredgers ever to be received by Sri Lanka.

‘Sayuru’ would bolster the dredging capacity of Ceylon Fisheries and Harbours Corporation to meet the demand for maintaining the operational depth of fishery harbours to ensure the unhindered fishing activities of the fishermen. In addition, the accidents caused by the sedimentation would be avoided and the smooth navigation of the fishing boats in the navigation channels and harbours could be secured. Over time, it is expected that the social and economic status of fishermen would be augmented and there would be an enhancement in the supply of fish protein to the people of Sri Lanka.  All fishery harbours around the nation would benefit from the dredger.

Japan has already provided a similar dredger to Sri Lanka during 1988/89 period by the name “Ruhunuputha”.(KH)