Janathakshan to Provide Technical Expertise for Climate-Resilient Fish Processing Initiative.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has officially initiated a pilot project to establish scientifically designed solar fish drying units in the Gampaha District, marking an important step towards modernizing Sri Lanka’s dry fish industry through innovation, food safety, and sustainable technology.
A special stakeholder meeting to launch the initiative was held at the Wattala Divisional Secretariat under the patronage of Hon. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology.
The pilot project, coordinated through the Vidatha Division of the Ministry, aims to introduce climate-resilient solar drying technology to improve the quality and safety of dry fish production while enhancing livelihoods within coastal fishing communities.
As part of the pilot phase, three fisheries cooperative societies within the Wattala and Negombo Divisional Secretariat Divisions will be selected to establish community-level solar fish drying facilities. The project is expected to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology as a scalable model for wider implementation across Sri Lanka.
Traditional open-air fish drying methods continue to expose fish to rain, dust, insects, and other contaminants, often resulting in significant post-harvest losses, poor hygiene, inconsistent product quality, and reduced incomes for small-scale producers. The introduction of enclosed solar fish drying technology will provide a cleaner, safer, and more efficient alternative while utilizing renewable solar energy.
Janathakshan (Guarantee) Limited is proud to contribute to this national initiative by providing technical expertise and implementation support, drawing on its experience in sustainable technology development, climate resilience, and community-based livelihood programmes. The organization will work closely with the Ministry and partner institutions to ensure the successful design, construction, capacity building, and operation of the pilot facilities.
In addition to establishing the solar fish dryers, the project will also promote awareness on value addition and resource efficiency by introducing technologies that convert fish waste into useful products, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting circular economy practices within the fisheries sector.
The initiative brings together several leading national institutions, including the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Janathakshan (Guarantee) Limited, and the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD Centre), all of which will provide technical and scientific expertise throughout the implementation process.
The meeting was attended by Gampaha District Member of Parliament Stephanie Fernando, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Mr. Mahesh Gammanpila, Director General of the Industrial Technology Institute, Prof. Ilmi Hewajulige, Director General of NARA, Dr. Amaralal, CEO/Executive Director of Janathakshan, Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka, the Divisional Secretaries of Wattala and Negombo, Vice Chairman of the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha, Mr. Rohitha de Seram, representatives of fisheries cooperative societies, and small and medium-scale entrepreneurs engaged in the fisheries sector.
This pilot project reflects the Government’s commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable economic development. By strengthening food security, improving product quality, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating new livelihood opportunities, the initiative is expected to lay the foundation for a nationally scalable solution that will benefit Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector for years to come.
