In Sri Lanka, the demand for fish products, particularly canned and dry fish, is on the rise. However, inland fish products are quite rare, with only a handful of producers in this niche market. Recognizing this gap, the Smallholder Agribusiness and Resilience Project (SARP) has embarked on an initiative to empower local communities through training in dry fish production.

On September 5, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, a Value-Added Fish Processing Training session was held at Lindawewa. This event brought together members of the Dumminnegama Wewa Fisheries Committee and local farmers, all eager to learn and explore new avenues for enhancing their livelihoods.

During the session, participants engaged in practical training activities, gaining valuable skills in fish processing techniques. As the afternoon unfolded, enthusiasm filled the room, and ideas began to flow.

By the end of the training, four of the participants expressed a strong desire to start their own fish processing businesses. This initiative not only seeks to meet the increasing demand for inland fish products but also holds the promise of transforming the local economic landscape.

With the training complete, the seeds of entrepreneurship have been planted, setting the stage for a brighter future in fish processing and creating lasting benefits for the community.