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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Crab-rearing Project For Ex-Combatants Making Progress

Crab-rearing project jointly implemented by former LTTE combatants and Jaffna troops in Karampan, Kayts as a commercial venture, is fast progressing with the financial blessings of the Northern Province Governor’s Office.

Office of the civil affairs in Jaffna with instructions received from Secretary Defence and Commander of the Army, commenced the project three months ago with the express intention of providing a means of income and livelihood to rehabilitated youths who are living along the costal belt Karampan in the Kayts island.
    
At the initial stage, baby water crabs are reared in two ponds. As recommended by the experts, the Karampan beach site for water crabs was selected since crabs are found nowadays abundantly in Kokilai and Nayaroo lagoons in the Northeast of the Kayts island. Off season currents do not let fishermen collect water crabs from Jaffna lagoons as at present.

In response to a proposal of Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna, the Northern Province Governor’s office allocated Rs. 1.6 million for the pilot project, comprised of 16 crab ponds in an area of 50ft x 40ft each.

Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Commander, SFHQ - J  on Thursday (19) reviewed the project progress after making a tour  to the site with senior officers and met ex-LTTE combatants and Kayts soldiers, engaged in the project.