Stories

Sunimal is a 35-year-old young man from Negombo, an open-air fishing town in Sri Lanka known for its large fishing industry. However, despite the abundance of seafood, the lives of small-scale fishermen and traditional fishermen are not that satisfactory. Many fishermen and their families struggle to make ends meet, with limited access to basic necessities. The ecological problems and depletion of fish stocks have added more worries to the problem. Sunimal has been farming sea oysters since childhood, following in the footsteps of his parents who raised him and his younger siblings through the income earned from oyster farming. Tragically, Sunimal's father passed away and he had to take on the responsibilities of his family as the eldest. Determined to carry on his father's occupation and provide for his familyâ??s survival, Sunimal is dedicated to continuing the business of oyster farming. To bolster business, Sunimal gathered oyster farmers in the neighborhood and formed â??Sadasarana Deewara Samithiyaâ?? to find solutions to the issues they encounter on a day-to-day basis. At this juncture, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the apex national institute that carries out and coordinates research, development, and management activities of aquatic resources in Sri Lanka collaborated with Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitation (SLCDF) to provide the members of â??Sadasarana Deewara Samithiyaâ?? the technical training that is required to improve oyster farming. This is where Sunimal learned about oyster depuration which involves placing the harvested shellfish into purpose-made tanks of high-quality water so they will eliminate any contaminants. A depuration tank is a facility used in oyster farming to clean and purify oysters before they are sold. The tank provides a controlled environment where oysters are held and treated to remove any pollutants or contaminants they may have accumulated, improving their quality and making them safer for consumption. With the support from SLCDF, Sunimal received the financial resources he needed to continue his business and take it to the next level. With the additional support he received from SLCDF in the form of Rs. 80,000, Sunimal built a depuration tank for the association. This allows farmers to sell cleaner and purified oysters to potential buyers, increasing their market value and helping to ensure the safety of those who consume them. As a result, his income has increased by approximately Rs. 100,000 â?? 200,000 per month. This amount was distributed among the members of â??Sadasarana Deewara Samithiyaâ?? to upkeep the moral of the members. Now, Sunimal earns a better income and is living happily with his family. He feels accomplished knowing that he is not only providing for them carrying on his fatherâ??s business honoring him without letting it go with his demise.