Kalametiya, Hambantota District

Thirty nine catamarans and sets of nets have been distributed in Kalametiya. Each boat costs about £200 and will be used by two fishermen together. They use the boats for 5-6 months each year and catch lobsters during the other months. The catches range from Rs 200 to Rs 1500 per catch. They take the boats out between 5pm and 9pm but if there are a lot of fish they will stay our all night. The price of fish varies and falls when there are more fish.

Kahandamodera, Hambantota District

Thirty one catamarans and sets of nets are now in use in Kahandamodera. Wimalasiri, one of the fishermen told us that he earns Rs 10,000-15000 per month during the season. He goes out with one of his relatives and they share the income. During the off season, they repair their nets or get work as casual labourers and sometimes go out on trawlers to suppplement their income.

Peellagoda, Galle District

Nineteen fishing boats, nets, outriggers and lamps have been given to the members of the Peellagoda Harbour Fishing Association in Unawatuna. They fish during the season and repair their boats and nets during the monsoon season.

Karunadasa setting out to fish in the early evening in
Unawatuna

Boats made at the Boatyard at Chilaw

The mould used to make fibre-glass catamarans

Laying the fibre-glass and resin in the mould

Finished catamarans awaiting collection