The President of National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives of Korea Kim Im Kweon has presented a US$ 128,000 grant for the initiation of the first phase of the fisheries housing project to the State Minister when the Korean delegation made an inspection visit to Tangalle.

In the first phase, financial assistance for the construction of 30 houses was made. Each house will be built with all the required basic facilities at an estimated cost of Rs. 550,000 each.
The housing project will be implemented in several stages and the selected groups of the beneficiaries of these houses will be sent to South Korea annually and provided with training on the new techniques in the fisheries industry.

The Korean Delegation led by Kweon arrived in Sri Lanka on 14th June. They held discussions with the State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dilip Wedaarachchi at the Ministry and visited National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

Kweon during the discussions noted that the geographic location of Sri Lanka is highly favourable for its fisheries industry. He appreciated the keen interest of Sri Lanka to develop its fisheries sector and said they are will readily extend their assistance for the endeavour.

The delegation also visited the fisheries villages in Tangalle and Hambantota in the deep South.

The delegation intends to make necessary observations regarding developing fisheries villages, establishing two technical colleges, constructing a boat manufacturing factory and a factory of fisheries products.