🇯🇵 Japan Strengthens Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Cold Chain with Grant

The Government of Japan has handed over six refrigerated trucks to the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC) as part of a ¥200 million (~US$ 1.25 Mn) grant under its Economic and Social Development Programme to modernise Sri Lanka's fisheries infrastructure. • Overall Objectives: The initiative aims to strengthen the national cold chain, enhance food security, protect coastal livelihoods, and mitigate the impact of rising global food and fuel prices. • Key Infrastructure & Logistics: • Provision of 6 refrigerated trucks to transport marine products across 300-400 km routes from the Northern and Eastern Provinces to Colombo. • Installation of 3 ice-making machines in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Trincomalee. • Economic Impact: • Addresses critical post-harvest losses in the fisheries sector, which are currently estimated to be as high as 40% due to inadequate temperature control. • Preserves product quality, improves distribution efficiency, and is expected to encourage subsequent private sector investment in cold chain logistics.