DRY FISH

MARKET RESEARCH

Carried out for:

Swisscontact Sri Lanka

23/17,

Manchanayake Gardens

Off Pagoda Road

Nugegoda – Sri Lanka

By:

Kapila R. A. Tissera

Fishery Biologist

29/8A, Pangiriwatte

Mirihana

Nugegoda

Executive Summary

Objectives

The project for Women’s Economic Development, funded by the Swiss Solidarity

Organisation aims at restoring the livelihood of Tsunami affected women and their

families in the Matara and Trincomalee districts. It aims at empowering them through the

creation of sustainable employment. It is also expected to provide them and their families

with psychological and legal counseling.

The current study was carried out in order to assist Swisscontact Sri Lanka to survey the

possibility of creating sustainable employment to the target group in the Trincomalee area

through the production and marketing of salted and dried fish. This sub-project is to be

carried out together with the “Sinhala Tamil Muslim Rural Women’s Network” currently

operating in the Trincomalee district.

The main tasks of the study were categorised as follows:

1. Assessment of the supply potential of raw material

2. Understanding the channels and linkages prevalent in the dry fish industry

3. Assessment of the domestic and export demand

4. Assessing the viability and sustainability of the proposed project (Refer to annex 1 for the terms of Reference)

Methodology

The estate sector (Mainly Tea Plantations) is identified as the main consumer of salted &

dried fish products in Sri Lanka (per.com. Colombo Wholesale Market). Special attention

was paid in surveying this segment of the market. The cities of Nuwaraeliya and Kandy,

which are the hubs of trade supplying this sector in general, were visited. A cross section

of wholesalers, retail grocery shops and supermarkets in this sector have been

interviewed in order to ascertain the trade channels, retail prices, volumes of sales and

specialties of this segment. The same cross section of the trade was visited in selected

ii

cities which were thought to be typical for the rest of the market. This was done to enable

the researcher to compare the data obtained at the aforementioned locations with those of

areas typical of the country. (Refer annex 2 for the questionnaires used in this exercise.)

Trincomalee, a prominent city in the production of marine fish products was selected as

the target location for supplies. Special attention was paid to identify the products, trade

channels, price levels and production characteristics in this area by interviewing a cross

section of the people involved in the Fishery Industry.

iii

Table of Contents

1) AVAILABILITY AND SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIAL....................................................... 1

1.1) TRINCOMALEE ................................................................................................................... 1

1.2) FISHING METHODS AND LANDING LOCATIONS ................................................................ 3

1.2.1 Off Shore Fishery.................................................................................................... 3

1.2.2) Coastal Fishery ....................................................................................................... 4

1.3) POTENTIAL ......................................................................................................................... 6

1.4) AVAILABILITY OF FRESH FISH FOR DRY FISH PRODUCTION.............................................. 7

1.5) CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CATCH – VARIETY COMPOSITION ........................................... 8

1.6 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CATCH – SEASONAL VARIATIONS............................................ 9

1.7) PRICE FLUCTUATIONS ...................................................................................................... 12

1.8) MARKET CHAINS .............................................................................................................. 14

1.9) FORCES IN PLAY AND ETHNIC DYNAMICS ....................................................................... 16

1.10) POST TSUNAMI CHANGES IN THE SUPPLY ....................................................................... 18

2) DOMESTIC DEMAND FOR DRY FISH.............................................................................. 22

2.1) LOCAL PRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 22

2.2) IMPORTS OF DRY FISH ...................................................................................................... 22

2.3) THE EXPORT MARKET FOR DRY FISH .............................................................................. 24

2.4) CONSUMER PREFERENCES................................................................................................ 26

2.5) MARKET LINKS IN THE RETAILING OF DRY FISH. ............................................................ 29

2.6) PRODUCT QUALITY .......................................................................................................... 31

3) CURRENT SITUATION..................................................................................................... 32

4) RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................... 35

5) GUIDELINES FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT .......................................................... 37

iv

List of Tables

Table 1 Coastal Fish Production in Trincomalee 1

Table 2: Fishing Villages in Trincomalee District (pre-tsunami situation in project area) 2

Table 3: Fishing Vessels Operating in Trincomalee (2004) 3

Table 4: Characteristics of Fishing Effort in Trincomalee (2002) 5

Table 5: Fresh Fish Availability for Dry Fish Production (2002) 7

Table 6: Species Composition of the annual catch (2002) 8

Table 7: Seasonal Variation in Catch Quantity MDB Vs. ODBs Kg of fish per fishing Trip 10

Table 8: Seasonal Variation of Species 11

Table 9: Minimum Buying Prices at Auctions 12

Table 10: Characteristics of the Domestic Market 27

Table 11: Summary of Target Markets 38

v

List of Figures

Figure 1: Coastal Fish Production in Trincomalee 1993-2002 (MT/Annum) 7

Figure 2: Species Composition of the Annual Catch (2002) 9

Figure 3: Seasonal Variation in Catch (Catch in Kg per Fishing Trip) 10

Figure 4: Colombo Wholesale Market - Price Behaviour (2004) 13

Figure 5: Fresh Fish Market Chain 15

Figure 6: Relationship between the fishermen and the trader 16

Figure 7: Import of Dry Fish and Sprats 2004 – Major Suppliers 23

Figure 8: Sprats and Dried Fish Imports 2002 -2004 23

Figure 9: Exports of Dry Fish from Sri Lanka 25

Figure 10: Sri Lanka's Major markets for Sprats and Dried Fish 25

Figure 11: Links in the Dry Fish Retail Chains 30

vi

List of Annexes Annex 1: Terms of Reference i

Annex 2: Questionnaires vii

Annex 3: District map of Trincomalee xvii

Annex 4: Fish Movement to the Wholesale Market xviii

Annex 5: Basic Technical Process of Preparing Dry Fish xix

Annex 6: LIST OF SOURCES OF INFORMATION xx

vii

1). Availability and Supply of Raw Material

1.1) Trincomalee

District of Trincomalee is located in the North-Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, and

consists of four District Secretaries Divisions. These have been among the best producers

of marine fish both through the Coastal and Off-Shore Fishery. It is interesting to note

that 8.1% of Sri Lanka’s coastal line runs along the district of Trincomalee ( 141 Km of

Coastal line in Trincomalee as against the total of 1730 Km) and fish production

percentages too remain within the same percentage when compared to the all island

coastal catch. (Annex 3 – District map of Trincomalee)

The fish produced through the marine fishery of Sri Lanka is transported to the Colombo

Central Fish market from all major areas. The movement of fresh fish to the Colombo

Wholesale Market from the major landing sites is shown in annex 4.

The importance of Trincomalee in the Island’s total coastal fish production is shown in

table 1.

Table 1 Coastal Fish Production in Trincomalee

Coastal Fish Production

(in tons)

Year

Trincomalee All Island

Percentage from all

Island

1998 12,870 166,700 7.7%

1999 14,770 171,950 8.5%

2000 14,540 183,280 7.9%

2001 14,790 167,530 8.8%

2002 18,980 176,250 10.7 Dept of Fisheries

It can be seen that Trincomalee has, on a consistent basis, contributed about 8-9% of the

island’s total coastal fish production.

The district of Trincomalee is divided in to 11 administrative divisions known as

Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. Of these three divisions were visited during the survey,

1

which had the best potential in organising the proposed project. The Sinhala Tamil

Muslim Rural Women’s Network (the network) had a strong membership in these

locations as well as the locations were well supplied with fresh by incoming day boats as

their beaches were wide enough to accommodate the boats.

1. Town and Gravets

2. Kuchchaveli

3. Kinniya

A description of these villages is given in table 2. The division of Town and Gravets

seem to be producing the largest quantity of fish among the divisions. There are 2 fishery

harbours in this location where the multi-day boats bring in their production. This has had

an affect on the fish production data in this locality.

Table 2: Fishing Villages in Trincomalee District (pre-tsunami situation in project area)

DS Division Village Fishing

Families

Production

2002 (MT)

Percentage

Catch

Town and Gravets

Sandy Bay

Pattanaththneru1

Sally

Jamaliya

Weeranagar1

Thirukkadoloor1

Pallaththoddam1

Srimapura

Sinnakkadai

Cod Bay (Not a Village)

Kenniyai1

Neerothumunai

Sinnapillaichchenai

588

450

300

350

250

155

860

175

683

400

150

148

90

13,050 69.0%

Kuchchaveli

Salappaiaru

Kuchchaveli

Pudavaikkaddu

105

482

81

2,970 16.0%

2

Kuchchaveli .. continued Kalarawa

Pulmoddai Arsimalai

Pulmoddai Jinnapura

Irakkandi

Nilaveli

48

558

1,758

375

175

Kinniya Kandaladiyotu

Thona

Sinnakinniya

Periyathumunai

Nadutheevu

173

447

179

163

257

1,255 6.0%

Courtesy: Business Development Centre - Trincomalee

1. Villages selected for the survey

Table 3: Fishing Vessels Operating in Trincomalee (2004)

Type of Fishing Craft Number

Operating

Multi-Day Boats 48

3 ½ ton Day Boats 131

6-7 m FRP Boats 1,509

Traditional – Motorised Boats 12

Traditional - Non Motorised Boats 1,210

Total 2,910 Dept of Fisheries

1.2) Fishing Methods and Landing Locations

The Fishing Effort in Sri Lanka consists of two major sectors. Namely;

1. Off Shore Fishery

2. Coastal Fishery

1.2.1) Off Shore Fishery

The off shore fishery is carried out by multi day boats (MDB) that remain in the sea for

28-36 days per one fishing trip. They may travel around the island as well as navigate as

far as Somalia in their pursuit of fish. The main catch in these boats are the large Tuna.

The day boats, as the name implies carry out fishing operations lasting for no more than

24 hours per fishing trip. 3 ½ ton boats and fiber reinforced plastic boats also known as 6

meter (18 to 22 feet) boats operate in this category.

3

The multi-day boats and 3 ½ ton day boats are received at the harbours or anchorages

specially meant for them. Kokilai, Cod Bay and Muthur are such areas where these boats

arrive with their catch. Fish Auction halls have been in operation in Kinniya and Sally.

As there is no auction facility at Cod Bay, the fish is directly transported to the

Trincomalee Main Fish Market. It should be noted that since the tsunami disaster the

auction halls in Kinniya and Sally have not been in operation.

1.2.2) Coastal Fishery

The boats which do not spend more than 24 hours in sea per fishing trip are engaged in

coastal fishery activities. Mainly gill nets of various sizes (table 4) pole and line and

beach seine nets are used in this category of fishery. Off shore fishery contributes to

about 80% of the marine catch in Sri Lanka. It should be noted that all production data

for marine fish are given for the coastal fishery.

Seine netting is carried out from the beaches. A very long net (2000-3000 feet) is laid in a

semi circle in the sea by boats. The two ends are brought to the beach at a distance of

about 50-100 feet from each other. Many fishermen will gather at these ends and start

pulling the net to the beach along with the fish caught in it. The depth at which the net

will be submerged is carefully calculated and balanced with floaters and sinkers placed

on the net.

The Beach Seine netting is an important supply point in the production of dry fish. This is

due to the fact that a larger part of the fish caught in the seine nets are damaged and are

not transported to Colombo as fresh fish. They are sold locally for the production of dry

fish. Beach seining can be carried out only under a permit obtained from the government

after registration of the owner or the fisheries cooperative society, which will be

operative in the area. These areas are known as “PADUs”. The Trincomalee district has

the following number of “padu”s in the DS divisions under survey:

4

• Trincomalee North 10

• Kuchchuveli 37

• Kinniya 11

Table 4: Characteristics of Fishing Effort in Trincomalee (2002)

Type of Craft Fishing Methods Maximum Potential

per unit per time

Types of Fish

Caught

Multi-day Boats up to 40 Gill nets 5”–6”

2000 Kg / 28 days

4500 Kg / 36 days

Tuna1, Sharks2

Tuna Long Line 200 Hooks Yellow Fin1, Big

Eye1

3 ½ , (t) Day-Boats Gill Nets 5”-6” (40 Nets) Upto 150Kg Tuna1, Sharks2

Pole and Line Skip Jack2

Fiber Reinforced Plastic

Boats

Tuna Long Line 50-60 Kg / Boat Yellow Fin1

Gill Net 5”-5 ½ “ 50-60 Kg / Boat Tuna1, Shark2,

Marlin2

Gill Net 1 ¼”-2 ½” 50-60 Kg / Boat Sardines2,

Mackerel2,

Mural2, Scads2.

Bottom Gill Nets 15”-17” 50 Kg / Boat Scats2

Bottom Gill Nets 7” 50 Kg / Boat Queen Fish2

Bottom Long Line 50 Kg / Boat Rock Fish2

Travelly1

Hand Line 30-35 kg / Boat Travelly1,

Rock Fish2

Troll Fishing 50-60 kg/Boat Tuna1,

Seer1

Oru (Manual Boats) Crustaceans2

Other (Non Boat) Beach Seine Netting 300-400 Kg per attempt Anchovy2

Sardines2

Mackerel2

Flying Fish2

FAO Fisheries Sector Study of the NEP, High demand and price as fresh fish. 1). Economically not viable for processing as dry fish.

2). Good demand as fresh fish. Also available for processing as dry fish.

5

1.3) Potential

The latest official historical data available for the survey on the fish production of

Trincomalee date back to the year 2002. This has been taken as an indication of post war,

pre tsunami estimate of the fisheries activities in Trincomalee. Both in year 2001 and

2002 close to 80% of the marine fish production has come from the coastal sector and the

balance 20% from deep sea and off shore fisheries2. The catches of the deep sea and off

shore sectors are predominantly large pelagic fish such as Tuna, Seer, and Sharks as

suggested by the type of fishing gear used by them (Refer to table 4). Smaller fish as well

as larger demersal fish are caught by types of fishing gear other than those used by multi-

day and off-shore boats, contributing to the coastal fisheries.

A total of 23,472 fishermen have been active in Trincomalee in 2002 and of this, 1,320

are part time fishermen. The following types of fishing crafts have been operating in

Trincomalee in the same year.

A study of a ten year period from 1992 to 2002 shows that Trincomalee has a potential of

producing about 14,000 tons of fish per annum through the operation of the coastal

fishery sector, which is the important supply base for the production of dry fish.

6

Figure 1: Coastal Fish Production in Trincomalee 1993-2002 (MT/Annum)

Coastal Fish Production In Trincomalee1993-2002

02000400060008000

100001200014000160001800020000

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Year

Tons

It is seen from figure 1 that starting from 1998 there has been an average annual growth

rate of about 9% in the coastal fisheries sector before the tsunami disaster.

1.4) Availability of Fresh Fish for Dry Fish Production

Data pertaining to the production of dry fish in Trincomalee were available only up to

1993. The ratio of the raw material weight to the finished dried product is 1:3. As the dry

fish production figures are available for four years since 1990, it can be safely assumed

that about 17-18% of the coastal fish production has been available for the production of

dry fish during that period.

Table 5: Fresh Fish Availability for Dry Fish Production (2002)

Production 1990 1991 1992 1993

Dry Fish 619 652 726 782

Fresh Fish Equivalent 1,857 1,956 2,178 2,346

Fresh Coastal Fish Production 8,223 11,412 13,048 14,250

Percentage from Coastal Catch 22.5% 17% 16% 16% Calculations based on Dept of Fisheries Statistics

7

1.5) Characteristics of the Catch – Variety Composition The species abundance in the marine harvest of the Trincomalee district comprises large

pelagic fish such as skip jack and yellow-fin tuna as well as small tuna consisting of

frigate tuna and kawakawa. These are mainly caught by the multi-day boats with large

gill nets and long line fishing methods. In 2002, these varieties comprised almost 50% of

the total marine catch in Trincomalee.

Smaller shore seine varieties, such as anchovy, sardines, mackerel, scad and flying fish

comprise about 15% of the coastal fishery in Trincomalee. Table 6 illustrates the species

composition of the annual catch in year 2002.

Table 6: Species Composition of the annual catch (2002)

Species Percentage Annual Quantity (t)

Trevally 6.5 1,233

Spanish Mackerel 3.2 600

Rock Fish 9.0 1,700

Skip Jack Tuna 19.6 3,700

Yellow-fin Tuna 16.8 3,100

Small Tuna 12.8 2,500

Shark 4.1 775

Crustaceans 2.5 475

Shore Seine Varieties 14.7 2,800

Others 10.8 2,000 FAO Sector Study Repot

8

Figure 2: Species Composition of the Annual Catch (2002)

Catch CompositionTrevally

Ma ckerel

Rock Fish

Tuna

Shark

Crustaceans

Shore Seine Varietes

Other

FAO Sector Study Repot

1.6 ) Characteristics of the Catch – Seasonal Variations

Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons when the sea wind starts blowing from the

South-West and from the North-East. During the monsoon periods the sea becomes rough

with high waves and strong winds. Traditionally fisherman kept out of sea during this

time causing a major drop in the production of fish from these areas. However, now with

the use of mechanised and more powerful fishing vessels, the effect of the monsoon

seasons on the volume of catch is being smoothened out. It is now possible to engage in

offshore fishing activities throughout the year thus making it possible to obtain raw fish

from the mechanised boats throughout the year. The rough seas during the monsoon

winds however, deter the activities of beach seining fishermen to some extent.

On the other hand, the rough seas and the wind have a positive effect on the catch effort

in the seas. The churning of the shallow waters brings up the sediments containing algae

and nutrients from the sea bottom which results in increased food for the fish. The

murkiness created by the up welling is also said to make it difficult for the fish to see the

gill nets as well as its prey leading to an increase in the catch by gill nets and causing an

increase in the abundance of smaller fish shrimps, prawns and squid during this period.

9

During a study of the North Eastern Province (NEP) carried out by the FAO (2002), the

mean values for the monthly catches of a day boat and a multi day boat have been

recorded and the data is shown below. It can be seen that the stronger boats in the coastal

area can still engage in fishing during the off season and main a consistency of the

quantities so caught.

Table 7: Seasonal Variation in Catch Quantity MDB Vs. ODBs Kg of fish per fishing Trip

Month MDB 3 ½ t Day

Boat

Month MDB 3 ½ t

1 Day Boat

Jan 739 106 Jul 920 142

Feb 874 81 Aug 1026 113

Mar 801 107 Sep 749 98

Apr 554 81 Oct 862 103

May 324 73 Nov 454 61

June 394 94 Dec 906 137

Figure 3: Seasonal Variation in Catch (Catch in Kg per Fishing Trip)

Monthly Mean Catch (2002)

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov

Month

Mea

n Catch

per B

oat

MDBDB

FAO Sector Study

The mean catch figures of historical data shown in the FAO Fishery Report also confirmed

by the interviews we have had with fishermen as well as officials of the Ministry of

Fisheries, shows the existence of a more or less continuous supply of fish right

throughout the year in the Trincomalee district through the catches of mechanised day

boats that go to see during the off season.

10

However, a seasonal variation of commercial quantities in the different varieties abundant

in the catches is seen in different times of the year. A rainy season and a season of rough

seas are also prevalent in the district which will hamper the operation of beach seine nets

and traditional boats. Table 8 summarises this data.

Table 8: Seasonal Variation of Species

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Rainy Season

Rough Seas

Scarcity Period

Yellow Fin Tuna

Cuttle Fish (Small)

Cuttle Fish (Large)

Sardines

Keeri

Mackerel (Gld Strp)

Black kip Jack

Seer Fish

Paraw

Skip Jack

Striped Tuna

Anchovy

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Seasonal Changes in the Commercial Availability of Different Fish Varieties - Trincomalee

Courtesy: Business Development Centre – Trincomalee

Although the stronger boats produced fish during the off and rough seas seasons, it

should be noted that from November to March the project would have to organise

different suppliers or commercial activities to maintain the income levels of the group.

11

1.7) Price Fluctuations

The Ceylon Fisheries Corporation acts as a government arm to more or less stabilize the

prices of fish at the point of the sea beach and at the level of the consumer by bulk buying

during low price periods and releasing of frozen stocks to the retail market during periods

of escalating fish prices. Though this is not fully active now due to the government’s

policy of free market economy, the minimum price levels during the year 2004 have been

obtained by the courtesy of the Corporation. Table 9 shows the minimum prices of fish

recorded at the buying places in Trincomalee.

Table 9: Minimum Buying Prices at Auctions 2004

Type of Fish Minimum

Buying

Price

Rs./Kg

Seer (Pole and Line) 150

Ttrevally (Large) 80

Trevally (Small) 80

Skip Jack 40

Yellow Fin 60

Sail Fin 130

Marlene 130

Shark 70

Rock Fish 60

Flying Fish 40

Golden Striped Mackerel 40

Sardines 40

Herrings 40 Ceylon Fisheries Corporation

It should be noted here, that this buffering activity may have a negative effect on reaching

low prices of the fish in the markets, which would otherwise be an ideal condition for the

purchase of fish for the project at low prices.

12

Although the fish reaches the central fish markets in the regions of production prior to

reaching Colombo, the fish prices are decided on the quantity of fish arriving at the

Central Fish Market in Colombo as a totality from all the regions of production (annex 4).

Therefore, a scarcity of fish in Trincomalee will essentially not cause an increase in the

floor prices in Trincomalee, if the Colombo Central fish market is receiving fish from

other areas of production in abundance. It can be seen from this that the prices prevailing

in the Colombo Wholesale Market is the determining factor of regional fish prices.

Price Fluctuations of Major Commercial Varieties at the Colombo Wholesale Fish

Market are illustrated in figure 4.

Figure 4: Colombo Wholesale Market - Price Behaviour (2004)

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

Pric

e R

s

Seer (Pole & Line) Skip Jack Yellow Fin Sail Fin Marlene

Ceylon Fisheries Corporation

It is the price and supply of the large fish shown in the chart that have a major influence

in the prices of other smaller types. Abundance in the larger varieties of the fish shown in

the chart will automatically cause a drop in the prices of the smaller varies.

13

1.8) Market Chains

The multi-day and the larger day boats arrive at the fishery harbours or to anchorages.

The fish are either auctioned at site or if auctioning facilities are not available at site

would be transported in lorries to the Trincomalee main fish market. The traditional boats

will arrive at any point in the shoreline where it is wide enough to accommodate the

boats. Usually this will be in the location of the home of the fisherman. Beach seining is

done at the locations assigned and registered to them by the government known as the

“Madel Padu”s (Landing locations for the beach seine nets). Lorries and vans arrive in

these places for purchase of fish from these locations. Figure 5 illustrates these

relationships. The fish are normally given to the oligopoly of traders in the Trincomalee

central fish market as the fishermen as a rule would have obtained a cash advance or

other types of assistance from the traders before embarking on the fishing trip. See figure

6 for summary of these relationships.

14

Figure 5: Fresh Fish Market Chain

Market Links - Marine Fish Movement in Trincomalee

Multi-Day Boats

3 1/2 (t)Day Boats

Traditional Motorised&

Non Motorised BoatsBeach Seining

FisheryHarbour ORAnchorages

Madel Paduor

Wadiyas

Central Fish Market

Dry FishProducer

Export Company Agent

Best Quality Export

Good Quality Fish

Accep

table

Fresh Q

uality

To ColomboCentral Fish Market

To RegionalFresh Fish

Markets

Early Catch in B

rine

Spoilt or in Brine

Grade II, Spoiltor

Damaged

Exess or Dam

aged Fish

Exess or Damaged Fish

Icons not representative of actuality © SCSL 2005

15

Figure 6: Relationship between the fishermen and the trader

Financial Assistance for Boat Repairs

Fisherman

WholesaleTrader

Assistance for Boat Maintenance

Repair / Replacement ofFishing Gear

Asistance in supplyof

Fuel, Ice, Salt

Fish

Fish

© SCSL 2005

1.9) Forces in Play and Ethnic Dynamics

It was easy to note that the traders in the central fish market in Trincomalee were

predominantly if not only, from the Sinhala community. Fishermen were represented in

all three communities although the predominant ethnic group in the towns and gravets DS

division was Tamil fishing families.

16

There is a multitude of ethnicity-based power plays, market chains, perceptions (whether

wrong or right) and conflicts. Some sources say that there is an exploitative relationship

between the Sinhala traders and boat owners and the Tamil fishermen due to the

dependency of the fishermen on the trader. However, other sources say this relationship

is a friendly one and though there is dependency, the trader looks after the fishermen and

acts like a social security provider in case of need and emergency (i.e. pays medical bills

of the family).

The purchase of the dry fish produced in Trincomalee and its distribution is currently

handled mainly by three Sinhalese traders in the Fish Market. During our discussions

with two of them, it was felt that the idea of assisting the women in re-establishing their

home based production facilities was welcome and that it is possible for them to assist in

the marketing of the products not depending on any ethnic complexities.

Another perceived conflict evolves around the access of the fishermen to ice. Some

sources say that the Singhalese who own the ice plants are unwilling to sell ice to the

Tamil fishermen in order to force them to sell the fish immediately to the (Sinhala) trader

instead of being able to store it and negotiate a better price. Other people deny this and

say that there is a general lack of ice because the production capacity is not high enough

and therefore everyone faces a problem in accessing ice and there is no ethnic bias

involved in the sale of ice.

According to information collected, it was further noticed that the Muslim fishermen

seem to be unhappy, as they are the most effected by the Security Measures taken by the

security forces as well as restrictions placed by the LTTE on sea faring in their areas.

However, if one asks X number of different people whether there are any restrictions or

not, one is sure to get as many different answers. According to what we could find out,

there is really such a problem in the Kinniya area. Fishermen there confronted with a

Navy high security zone as well as LTTE controlled areas on the other side of the bay.

This limits their capacity to follow their fishing activities.

17

Based on the above-listed perceived or real discriminations and market dominations, we

learnt that the Tamil fishermen are now forming their own Fisheries Cooperative

Societies and attempting to organize their own avenues and channels of marketing, by-

passing the predominantly Sinhala traders. This development seems to be supported or

even initiated by the LTTE. Whatever the political implications – theoretically – this may

open up new points of purchase for raw material for the proposed dry fish project at the

landing points it self as it would break the oligopoly dominating the purchase and sale of

fish.

In conclusion it has to be noted that Trincomalee is extremely ethicised and politicised.

The power play between the multitudes of different actors is tremendously complex and

impossible for an outsider to fully understand. Getting involved with- or posing a threat

to the “wrong” people can have a serious negative influence on business. In many cases it

has had lethal consequences for the individuals concerned.

1.10) Post Tsunami Changes in the Supply

Trincomalee district has been very badly affected by the tsunami on 26.12.04. The effect

on the fishing industry has been devastating. The industry now requires assistance in all

its aspects to be rehabilitated.

Almost 75% out of the 10,431 registered fishing families have been displaced due to the

tsunami in the Trincomalee district. The reported number of deaths among fisherman in

Trincomalee is at 800.

Damage to the off-shore fishery sector is comparatively less. Only one MDB has been

reported as totally wrecked with 20% of the registered 50 boats needing only minor

repairs. Of the 180 3 ½ t. boats, only 3 have been reported as totally damaged.

18

Reported Damage to the Fishing Boats caused by the Tsunami Extent of Damage MDB 3 ½ ton 1

day

Boats

6 m(18-22

ft) Boats

Traditional

Boats

Large net

Boats

Registered number before Tsunami 50 180 925 1200 120

Reported totally Damaged 1 3 50 - -

Partially damaged 1 10 500 - -

Needing minor repairs 10 22 NA - -

Fishing Gear Damaged 2 pairs NA 900 - -

Total Destruction 700 80 Courtesy: Business Development Centre – Trincomalee

The initial numbers of boats are taken from the Dept. of Fisheries as registered boats.

However, it is seen that the destruction is more than the number of boats initially in the

area. This is due to the fact that a large number of boats unregistered with the ministry of

fisheries is operative in the coastal areas, specially so in the NEP.A total destruction of

fishing camps or “Wadiya”s is reported along with the fishing gear.

The destruction caused by tsunami in the Trincomalee district has affected negatively on

the coastal fish production

Under normal conditions the best quality fish would be sold as fresh fish to be sent to

Colombo and the balance was made available to the dry fish producers as badly handled

and spoilt fish. Most of the smaller varieties caught in the beach seine netting also was

available to the dry fish producer when in excess. Due to the drop in the fish production,

both these grades are also bought from traders as fresh fish to be sent to Colombo. As a

result, the effect of tsunami on the dry fish market takes two forms:

• The local fish production is currently not enough to supply the dry fish

producer through the natural supply-demand excess to continue at pre

tsunami levels.

19

• The destruction of dry fish production locations and systems has also

resulted in the absence of a buyer (in this case the dry fish producer) for

fish unsuitable as fresh fish even when it is available. Therefore, currently

this category of fish too is being transported from Trincomalee to the

Colombo Central Fresh Fish Market to be routed to dry fish producers in

Negambo, which is a fishing village close to Colombo on the West Coast.

Our discussions with the officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and members of some of

the Fisheries Cooperative Societies have helped us to come to the following conclusions:

1. Our visit to Trincomalee was done right on the onset of the production season.

The speculation at that time in Trincomalee as to the post tsunami supply

potential was uncertain. This included the government’s delay in permitting the

fishing boats and gear to be handed over to the fishermen and also speculation

about a possible oceanographic and/or biotope destruction or alteration in the

shallow and productive areas of the sea as an effect of the tsunami. However, the

following factors too have to be considered:

• The fishing season was yet to start in Trincomalee during our visit. The

South West Fishery was still active at that time. This has to gradually

diminish for the North East productive season to start.

• The vessels and fishing gear lost or partially damaged in the tsunami have

yet to be replaced. This is a very slow process. The fishing effort has to be

reinstated to pre-tsunami levels for excess fish to be available. It is then,

that traders reject spoilt and badly handled fish. This is the category of fish

bought by the dry fish producers. Currently these fish are accepted as

acceptable to be sold as fresh fish due to the scarcity of fish.

• The natural cycle of cash-in-hand has been disrupted due to the tsunami.

Now it is difficult to the boat owners to find the operational costs of

20

sending a boat out to the sea for fishing operations. The traders who

normally would have offered this help to the fisherman have lost too much

cash as physical loss during tsunami as uncollectible advances of money

given to fishermen before the tsunami. This is a few millions of rupees per

trader as explained to us and the borrowers are no longer living or they

have been badly affected by the tsunami.

2. Certain locations such as Muttur, Kalarawa, Kokkilai and Pulmoddai have been

reported as areas with excess fish production. The situation is also improving in

the areas where the destroyed fishing effort is being restored. Boats from these

areas now come to sell their fish in the Trincomalee Town and Gravets area. If

there is an organised and consistent buying of smaller, beach seine varieties of

fish by the producers of dry fish, the arrival of these boats to the purchasing area

will become stabilised.

21

2) Domestic Demand for Dry Fish

2.1) Local Production

It is reported that in the year 2002, 7,753 tons of dried fish has been produced in the

North and Eastern Provinces. Trincomalee has produced only 8% of this total for the

NEP, which is 619 tons.

Judging by the discussions we had with the traders at the Colombo Wholesale Dry Fish

Market, the current domestic production of dry fish is estimated at around 40,000 tons per

year. Due to the high variability of the fresh fish catch and volatile market and prices for

fresh fish, it is the closest estimate that can be given as correct official figures were not

available.

2.2) Imports of Dry Fish

Annually close upon 35,000 tons of dried fish including sprats (Salted and dried Anchovy

– a small variety of marine fish) are being imported to the country. In 2004, Pakistan has

supplied us with 43% of the imported dried fish and Thailand has supplied 78% of the

dried sprats to Sri Lanka. The import situation of dry fish and sprats taken together is

shown in figures 7 & 8.

22

Figure 7: Import of Dry Fish and Sprats 2004 – Major

Suppliers

Imports of Dry Fish (2004)

50%

16%

18%

9%7%

Pakistan

India

Indonesia

United Arab EmiratesMaldives

Sri Lanka Customs Statistics

Figure 8: Sprats and Dried Fish Imports 2002 -2004

Imports of Dried Fish and SpratsMetric Tons 2004

-

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

2002 2003 2004

Year

Met

ric T

ons

Dried FishSprats

Sri Lanka Customs Statistics

23

2.3) The Export Market for Dry Fish

Exports of dry fish from Sri Lanka are negligible when compared to its imports and

consumption in the country.

However, Sri Lanka’s exports to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong show a high

unit value indicating that these exports should be shark fins and other high valued

products, which are not included in the present survey. Therefore, these values have

been taken away from the statistics for analysis. The export situation during the past 3

years is illustrated in figures 10 & 11.

The main markets to which Sri Lanka has exported are Australia, Canada and Kuwait.

It is interesting to note that these are countries with a large Sri Lankan expatriate

community. Therefore it is possible that the dry fish from Sri Lanka is targeted at this

segment of the market in these countries. 75% of the exports have been done to just 5

countries and they could be regarded as the main markets for Sri Lankan dry fish.

80% of the sprats exported are to 5 countries which are to be considered as our main

markets for sprats.

24

Figure 9: Exports of Dry Fish from Sri Lanka

Export of Dried Fish Products

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

2002 2003 2004

Year

Volu

me

in K

g

Dry FishSprats

Sri Lanka Customs

Figure 10: Sri Lanka's Major markets for Sprats and Dried Fish

Dry Fish - Major Markets 2004

19%

19%

8%9%

12%

6%

27%

Australia

Canada

KuwaitUnited Arab EMirates

Japan

United States

Other

Sprats- Major Markets 2004

40%

26%

8%

10%

4% 2% 4% 6%Canada

KuwaitAustralia

Other

At discussions with major exporters, it was revealed that sprats comprise a major part of

the dry fish exports from Sri Lanka. Queen Fish, Seer and Sword Fish are the major dry

fish varieties other than sprats that constitute exports of dry fish from Sri Lanka.

25

With the exports of dry fish at negligible levels, it can be said that Sri Lanka is a high

consumer of dried fish and the volume consumed can be safely estimated at around

70,000 – 75,000 metric tons per annum.

The Formula:

Domestic Production + Imports = Domestic Consumption + Exports

40,000 + 37,000 = Domestic Consumption + 107 (In Tons)

Therefore,

Domestic Consumption = 76,893

Say… 77,000 tons per annum

210 tons per Day!

The Dry Fish Industry in Sri Lanka

Inflow of Dry Fish to the Market

40,000 , 52%

37,000 , 48%

Domestic Production

Imports

Metric Tons per AnnumOutflow of Dry Fish from the Market

Metric Tons per Annum

76,893 tons per annum99.86%

107 tons per annum

0.13%

Dom ConExports

Domestic Consumption

Exports

2.4) Consumer Preferences

The characteristics of consumer preferences have been studied in 5 different locations.

These were selected to illustrate different eating habits of the population. The findings are

summarised n Table 10. The mean price level as at July (2005) is given in the table for

the most common types of dried fish sold in the visited locations.

26

Table 10: Characteristics of the Domestic Market

Location Characteristics Preferred

Types Of

Dry Fish

Mean price

in Rs/100gr

Ragala

(Typical Town with

surrounding Tea

Estates)

A very small town in the hill country 4000 ft

above MSL. Predominantly populated by tea

estate labour of Indian Tamil origin. Low

purchasing power due to low levels of

income. Being habitual beetle (a herb) and

tobacco chewers, a habit which affect the

taste buds, they require a high level of salt

and chilies in their diet. Lower quality grades

of the cheaper varieties of dry fish were the

fastest moving types of dry fish in this area. It

was estimated that this small town moves

about 750 Kg. of dry fish per month.

Shark

Sardines

Sprat

Skipjack

26.00

15.00

19.00

22.00

Nuwaraeliya A city in the hill country above 5000 ft above

MSL. Consumers include mainly estate

labour but also effluent businessmen,

government officials and executive staff of

tea estates. Varied tastes. Includes wholesale

shops that supply the estate kiosks. It is

estimated that the town sells around 3,500 Kg

of dried fish per month.

Seeer

Queen Fish

Sailfin/Marlin

Keeramin

Bombay-

-Duck

Shark

Sardines

Skipjack

Catfish

Ray Fish

43.00

39.00

34.00

32.00

26.00

24.00

24.00

24.00

23.00

19.00

Kandy City in the hill country at 2000 ft above MSL.

The consumer profile shows equal

proportions of estate labour that are

predominantly of Indian Tamil origin. An

almost equal proportion of urban Sinhalese

population visits this town for their shopping.

Also populated by a considerable number of

Muslims. According to Sources in the

Colombo Wholesale Market for dry fish, this

Queen Fish

Seer

Sword Fish

Sardines

Keeramin

Shark

Catfish

Bombay

50.00

50.00

45.00

40.00

37.50

35.00

35.00

30.00

Quality Sensitive Market

Price Sensitive Market

27

city has the best sales in dry fish and is

estimated around 10 Tons per month.

This is regarded as the Capital City of the hill

country where consumers come from various

economic levels.

Duck

Trevally

Anchovy

Ray Fish

Skipjack

30.00

28.00

26.00

25.00

Kiribathgoda Situated in the outskirts of Colombo and is

populated predominantly by middle class

Sinhalese families. Dry fish did not seem to

be an important regular item in their diet

presumably due to availability of fresh fish

and other meats in shops. It was estimated

that the monthly movement of dry fish would

not be more than a 1000 Kg. per month. This

figure was arrived at with the impressions

received during discussions of the more

helpful traders in the city.

Queen Fish

Perch

Sword Fish

Keeramin

Shark

Skipjack

Sardines

Anchovy

46.00

45.00

44.00

38.00

32.00

30.00

25.00

25.00

Wellawatta This city in the outskirts of Colombo is

densely populated with families originating

from the City of Jaffna from the North. Many

permanent residents as well as a large number

of temporary residents who come to Colombo

to attend to matters relating to official or

migratory work live here. Traditionally this

population is known to value the varieties

considered as of high quality. It was

estimated that this city would be selling about

3,000 Kg per month according to discussions

has with the traders.

Seer

Queen Fish

Sail Fin

Keeramin

Shark

Skipjack

Anchovy

52.00

43.00

44.00

36.00

30.00

30.00

24.00

Super Markets

Type I

(Colombo, Kandy,

Nuearaeliya)

Central Purchase System controlled from

Colombo Head office. Purchases are done

through registered suppliers who are notified

by the management of current requirements.

Strict packaging requirements some even

requesting for bar coded packs. Packed by

the supplier in presentable chunks weighing

between 100 to 250 grams per pack. The fins,

tails and other unpalatable parts are removed

Queen Fish

Keeramin

Shark

Skipjack

Anchovy

Sardines

60.00

42.00

32.00

40.00

25.00

30.00

Quality Sensitive Market

Quality Sensitive Market

Both Segments Prevail

Both Segments Prevail

28

from the chunks leading to a price higher than

in normal retail grocery shops.

Supermarkets

Type II

(Colombo, Kandy,

Nuearaeliya)

Purchase decisions are taken by the manager

of the outlet. Many wholesale goods are

regularly purchased in Colombo which

includes rice, sugar, and dhal. During these

visits to Colombo dry fish is purchased at the

Colombo Wholesale Market. The bulk is

bought, sorted and cleaned at the local outlet

and packeted by them (100-250 gr packs)

Seer

Queen Fish

62.00

60.00

Quality Sensitive Market

Please note that the quantities mentioned in the table are only for the locations where the

dry fish shops were concentrated. Quantities sold by the day fairs and other mobile sellers

have not been included in this. As such, the real quantities consumed by these markets

are considerably more than the figures shown in the table.

The supermarkets were also selling some bottled and canned products made out of dry

fish. At all locations it was understood that these “value added products” did not have a

demand worthy of attention.

2.5) Market Links in the Retailing of Dry Fish.

The supply segment of the marketing chain includes the Colombo Wholesale Market, a

day-a-week fairs organised in an open area of central towns and vans or smaller lorries

purchasing dry fish from these outlets and supplying the smaller retailers. Regional

wholesalers as a rule and the retailers in the outskirts of the Colombo city purchased their

dry fish from the Colombo Wholesale Market often preferring to buy from the same

wholesale shop in Colombo. Figure 9 illustrates these relationships.

29

Figure 11: Links in the Dry Fish Retail Chains

Regional Wholesaler/Retailer

Day-a-week fairsColombo Wholesale Market

Regional Retailers

Small Estate Shops and kioks

Good Quality Product

2nd Grade Product

2nd Grade Product

2nd Grade Product

2nd Grade Product

Icons not representative of actuality © SCSL 2005

The dry fish produced in Trincomalee mainly arrive at the Colombo Central Market for

dry fish. A smaller part of a lower quality may be transported directly to regional markets

closer to Trincomalee by passing Colombo. These dry fish mainly end up at the day fairs

held in many popular locations in the open air, called day fairs. From this location they

are transported to the smaller kiosks in the hill country where this quality can be sold to

estate labourers.

30

The higher quality of dry fish is normally handled via the Colombo central market and

bought directly from them by the regional wholesalers as well as larger grocers.

2.6) Product Quality

The characteristics identified as factors contributing to the quality of the product are

listed below:

• Humidity below 30%

• No signs of salt crystallisation on the fish flesh

• Absence of a red/pink colour

• Absence of sand

• Less un-edible parts in a piece (Fins, gills etc)

• Flesh sturdy to the touch

• Absence of putrefying smell

• Absence of dry fish dust or small broken pieces when in pack.

• When soaked in water, the flesh should look and feel as close as possible to the

original condition of the fresh flesh.

31

3) Current Situation

The devastation caused by the tsunami has caused severe damage to the dry fish industry

prevailing in Trincomalee before the disaster. However, The Network (STMRWN) is

reorganising the women who were engaged in making dry fish as a commercial practice

before the disaster. These women, when spoken to, expressed their utmost confidence in

being able to obtain raw material and reorganize their previous activities if assistance in

certain areas could be given to them.

The main area requiring such assistance was the replacement of their cash which was

available for the purchase of raw fish and salt. Also the plastic utensils like basins and

barrels have been lost during the disaster.

Assistance in the purchase of raw material could take two forms. Assistance could be

given to women (through the net work) to purchase dry fish. More efficient would it be if

a mechanism could be devised for assistance to be given to dry fish makers who also own

day boats. These day boats do not go to sea on a regular basis due to the absence of a

regular cash flow and/or post tsunami damages to fishing gear. If these boats are assisted

to start fishing on the condition that a certain percentage (reflecting the magnitude of the

assistance given to them) of their catch can be given to the network for processing as dry

fish.

It should be strongly kept in mind during any possible assistance, that the tsunami

affected families have a multitude of basic needs. Their houses, if survived the attack by

tsunami, are in a dire condition. Most houses we visited had only a few cheap plastic

chairs. They had even to borrow chairs from neighbours to accommodate us. Jewellery,

especially to the Tamil woman, is a most treasured item not only reflecting the monetary

value of it but also reflecting many aspects of personal, cultural and social values. In

most cases these have been pawned to obtain money for basic survival. They should be

made to understand the objective of the project to prevent them from channeling the

provided assistance to solve their “more basic” problems.

32

A few of the women we visited were making dry fish on a small scale. The quality of the

dry fish made by these women was very high in comparison with what we see in the

retail shops in Colombo and other cities. It is very important that the project takes

measures to make it possible to retail this quality at the point of sales. Sea salts contain

hygroscopic compounds that absorb water from the atmosphere. When the dry fish is

brought to the wet zone to sell, these salts will absorb water and make a perfectly dried

specimen of dry fish become wet and sloppy, deteriorating an excellent edible quality.

This is a regular occurrence in most places. A solution to prevent this from occurring

such as a proper packing method should be proposed.

The dry fish production process has its own relationships within the key players.

1) The trader would advance money to the dry fish producer to buy the raw fish and

guarantee the buy back of the finished product.

2) The fisherman would hand over the excess fish to the dry fish producer free of

charge, pay for the drying process and obtain the finished product for selling to

the trader.

3) The dry fish producer would assist the fisherman to launch the boat with

operational expenditure so that the raw material is guaranteed on the fisherman’s

return from the sea.

4) The fisherman’s wife would dry the excess fish brought in by the husband.

5) The beach seine operators would team up to produce their own dry fish from the

excess and damaged fish and sell them to the traders.

6) Multi day boats will make dry fish on the boat it self from the fish in the catch of

the early days as they tend to spoil by the end of the fishing journey. If they are

not properly dried they are given to dry fish producers for further drying.

33

7) The traders of dry fish also handle fresh fish. If prices or the quality does not

warrant selling the total stock to Colombo as fresh fish, they dry it around the

central market premises by themselves.

It is seen that every possible avenue between the fisherman, dry fish producer and the

trader is being used to produce dry fish.

34

4) Recommendations

Three major factors have been kept in mind in proposing the following

recommendations:

1. The damage and destruction that have taken place in the fishing vessels and

fishing gear have to be replaced to a considerable extent to expect a reasonable

increase in the fish catch from coastal resources. Most agencies are still awaiting

government approval to distribute such assistance.

2. The dry fish producers have to be rehabilitated with assistance to purchase raw

material in the form of a revolving credit.

3. The onset of the fishing season should bring in pre-tsunami levels of production

from coastal fisheries. This is to be watched for at least till mid October.

A considerable potential exists for the setting up of a dry fish processing unit in

Trincomalee. Of the locations visited, it is possible to recommend the following adjoining

villages for setting this up.

1. Pattanaththeru

2. Weeranagar

3. Kenniyani

4. Thirukkadoloor

5. Pallaththodom

35

4.1) Product Types

A study of the market demand has shown us that there exist three categories of dry fish.

a. Low volume, high priced dry fish products for the upper niches of the market.

b. High volume moderately priced dry fish types for the general consumer.

c. Moderate volume of low quality low priced dry fish and off cuts.

4.1. a) This category requires seer, queen fish and sail fin fish to prepare the dry fish.

With the current prices and low availability of raw material for this product, it is

not advisable to concentrate on this segment of the market.

4.1. b) The moderately priced dry fish require frigate tuna, small sizes of skipjack, and

many other varieties as shown in table 11.

4.1.c) Invariably some of the fresh fish obtained from the catch of beach seines will be

damaged and may not retain the full shape of the fish after drying. This product

could be sold as a lower quality component of the dry fish produced. The hill

country shops that buy from visiting vans mostly buy this quality for their

consumers. This should be the target market for the third category of dried fish

36

5) Guidelines for the Proposed Project

• The project should start on an experimental basis as a home based dry fish

production program.

• Members of the STMRWN who would be beneficiaries of the project

should be organised to form a group under the net work. Villages of

Patttanaththneru and Weeranagar are suitable for this.

• Financial assistance to purchase raw material from multi day boats and

day boats (frigate tuna) and shore seine varieties from beach landings

(Wadiyas) should be given to the members of this group.

• In case of raw material deficiency in the coastal catch, purchase of Tilapia

from large reservoirs in the district and transporting them to drying areas

should be considered.

• Financial assistance to increase the salting capacity and for the purchase of

crushed salt should be offered to the members.

• Suitable storage facility should be made available for collecting

commercial quantities of dried fish from the members.

• Suitable packing and packaging of the final product can be done to

preserve the high quality of drying that exists in the product in

Trincomalee. Equipment and training to this end should be given to

selected project beneficiaries.

• It is strongly felt that the group should possess their own transport to take

weekly stocks to the Colombo Wholesale Market. This can also transport

provisions such as dhal, rice, sugar and what ever is required by the group

for their consumption, from the Colombo wholesale establishments for

these products.

• The group should be assisted to develop a brand name for the dry fish

produced by them. They should be trained to achieve consistent high

quality in the finished and packaged product.

• A wholesale trader in Colombo should be identified to sell their product

on a commission basis at the lowest possible rate. It is also possible to sell

these directly to the targeted markets as shown in table 12.

37

• On successful completion of the initial stage of the project, establishing a

more hygienic, drying unit and technology that would upgrade the quality

and acceptance of the product should be planned and implemented.

• Explore the possibilities of selling the product in countries where there are

large groups of Sri Lankan expatriates in proximity.

Table 11: Summary of Target Markets

Variety Preferred Target Market Price – Rs./100gr

(Retail)

Seer

Queen Fish

Sword Fish

Marlene

Supermarkets in all locations Rs.38.00-42.00

Shark

Tuna

Keeramin (Young Herrings)

Bombay Duck

Trevally

Kandy

Colombo suburbs

Rs.35.00

Rs.30.00

Rs.32.00

Rs.30.00

Rs.30.00

Sardines

Mackerels

Herrings

Mural

Scads

Flying Fish

Nuwaraeliya

Ragala

Kandy

Rs.24.00

-

Rs.38.00

-

-

Rs.35.00

© SCSL 2005

38

Annex 1: Terms of Reference

Terms of References for Consultant:

DRY FISH MARKET RESEARCH

Women’s Economic Development Project - Swisscontact Sri Lanka June 2005

Who

When June, July and August 2005

Duty Station Colombo with extensive field visits to Trincomalee and other places in Sri Lanka

as required

Report to Ruth Zueblin, Project Advisor (WED)

Support by Ruth Zueblin, Project Advisor

Maria Vitores, Project Manager

Trevor Papalie, Agriculture Technical Advisor (Market Access)

Chandrani Adikaram, Program Officer (Women’s Programme)

i

Objective of the Consultancy:

1. To supply Swisscontact Sri Lanka (SCSL) with a market research on the dry fish1 sector in Sri Lanka and abroad (Export market).

2. To assist SCSL in the development of a business plan for the establishment and running of a dry fish production unit.

The above activity supports SCSL and its Partner Organisation in the setting up of a dry fish

production unit in Trincomalee to provide employment opportunities for women affected by the

tsunami, domestic violence and conflict.

Background

Swisscontact, the Swiss Foundation for Technical Co-operation is active in Sri Lanka since 1981 in

the field of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) promotion, Vocational Training and Education

(VET) and Financial Services (FS). The main office is at Nugegoda and a Project Field Office (PFO)

is maintained in Ampara. Currently three expatriates and 14 local professionals and support staff are

employed. Two projects are currently being implemented by Swisscontact Sri Lanka (SCSL):

The Local Economic Development (LED) project with the goal to contribute to the local economic

development benefiting the local population in and around the North Central Province and the

Eastern Districts in an equitable and sustainable way.

The Development and Peace – Sri Lanka (DPSL) project with the goal to contribute to the process

of promoting peace and mutual understanding between the different ethnicities in Sri Lanka while

contributing to the economic development of the Ampara and Batticaloa districts.

Additional new projects such as the Women Economic Development (WED) project and others will

be implemented according to the current needs in Sri Lanka and based on additional funding made

available from the Swiss Government and the Swiss public and other donors.

Components of the Consultant’s assignment:

1) MARKET RESEARCH

Assessments:

1 This includes value added products based on dry fish.

ii

1. Assessment of raw fish supply & purchasing systems and distribution chains (including

power-relations) in the Trincomalee coastal area.

a. Varieties of fish, seasonality, quantity, price, quality, etc.

b. Market chains (fishermen-boat-owner-mudalali-end market relations and

profiles).

c. Important market forces and players (incl. politico-ethnic dynamics)

Q: Can the production unit purchase fish in the Trincomalee coastal area on a regular basis? At what

price and quantity? Where and from whom?

2. Assessment of the domestic market for dry fish and value added products based on dry

fish. This includes an assessment of:

a. Domestic demand: Existing products and their characteristics.

b. Market chains (producer-buyer-client relations and profiles). Including imports.

c. Important market forces and players

d. Post-tsunami changes in the market and its future development (also taking into

account aid flows to the sector).

e. Domestic policies regarding the sector including tax regime, support measures,

possible post-tsunami changes.

Q: What are the characteristics of the domestic market and what is the demand?

3. Assessment of the export market for dry fish and value added products. This includes an

assessment of:

a. Relevant markets overseas: International trade flows (producer-trader-client

relations and profiles). Sri Lanka’s competitiveness on the international market.

b. Conditions to penetrate those markets: tax conditions, quality standards, import

restrictions etc.

c. Important market forces and players

d. Domestic policies regarding the fish export sector, support measures, possible

post-tsunami changes.

e. International policies and future trends.

Q: What are the characteristics of the export market and what is the demand?

4. Assessment of the potential for home-based dry fish production in the Trincomalee

coastal area.

iii

a. The current production

b. Future potential (products, producers, markets)

c. Potential for collective selling and marketing system

d. Potential markets for the product

Q: Is there a potential for supporting home-based dry fish production in Trincomalee area? If yes, what

product and for what potential market?

Recommendations:

1. Recommendations on the assessed locations, taking into account all the factors assessed

previously: 2

a. For Trincomalee: Positive and negative aspects of supply, distribution chains,

varieties available vs. market demand, availability of premises, local context and

security, logistics, etc.

2. Recommendations on potential products and markets.3

a. Detailed description of the fish varieties available in the different locations,

including, quality and quantity, seasonality, prices and price fluctuations,

distribution chains, etc.

b. Detailed description of the products (including quality, unit quantity, unit price,

price of production, production facilities and technology required, hygiene

standards, packaging, appearance, etc.). Positive and negative factors for each

product.

c. Detailed description of markets (domestic and export) for the products and their

characteristics and distribution channels (buyers, market chains, competition,

niche opportunities, etc.) Positive and negative factors for each market.

Q: Which product has potential in which market and what are the requirements?

2 This chapter could be done in matrix form, completed by text. 3 Dito.

iv

3. Recommendations on infrastructure

a. Potential premises and renovations needed

b. Installations and equipment (what, where to buy, prices)

4. Risks and uncertainties

a. Business risks

b. Context risks (political, security, power-relations in markets, post-tsunami

developments)

5. General recommendations, impressions and observations

6. Networking

a. List of all buyers considered for the study including contact person and date

visited.

b. List of relevant government institutions and contact persons (national and local

level)

c. List of relevant fishing societies and associations (national and local level)

d. List of NGO/Donors active in the sector or having an influence on it

e. List of training providers and contacts4

f. List of equipment suppliers and contacts5

g. Information on fares, trade promotion events, sector-specific programmes by

chamber of commerce etc.

The above assignment requires visits to:

- STMRWN (Kanthale, Trincomalee),

- Selected fishing societies (Kinniya, Nilaveli, Trincomalee town, as indicated by

STMRWN)

- Kachcheri and provincial council, possibly NGOs and INGOs

4 If known to the consultant. 5 Dito.

v

- Fish markets and places of trading (sea-shore)

- Potential premises for production (as indicated by STMRWN)

- Supermarkets, Exporters, Factories, Hotels and Restaurants

- NARA

2) BUSINESS PLAN

The Consultant shall discuss the findings of the market research with SCSL. Based on those

discussions, the best strategic option will be chosen jointly by SCSL and the Consultant. The

consultant shall then prepare a draft business plan including:

- Description of the business environment

- Legal nature of the business (private company, NGO)

- Financial projections, at least until end 2006 (Turnover, costs, profits, cash flow,

depreciation etc.)

- Marketing plan (including pricing and distribution, branding and labelling)

- Investment plan

- Competitor information

- Infrastructure needs & costs

- Raw material needs & costs

- HR and training needs & costs (production staff, administrative staff, management)

- Technology, equipment and training needs & costs

- Transport needs & costs

- Assessment of business risks

- Long term vision and sustainability of the business

- Two alternative contingency plans for a similar venture in the same geographical area.

SCSL will work closely with the Consultant in the preparation of a draft business plan.

The preparation of the final business plan shall be the responsibility of SCSL.

vi

Annex 2: Questionnaires

Market Survey on Dry Fish

Swisscontact Sri Lanka

Questionnaire – A1 Total Supply of Raw Fish (Primary Producer ----> Buyer)

Location:

District:

Date:

Name:

Owner / Operator

Variety Availability Qty / Month

(Kg)

Price – Max

(SLR/Kg)

Price - Min

(SLR/Kg)

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Fish Quality Suitable for

DF?

Buyers Strengths Weaknesses

Multi-Day

Boats

(1)

(2)

(3)

vii

Day Boats (1)

(2)

(3)

Seine Nets (1)

(2)

(3)

Relationships:

From Buyers

• Loans

• Advance Payments

• Provision of Equipment

• Traditional Tie-ups

• Political / Ethnic Obligations

Off-season assistance:

To Buyers:

• Guarantee of Supplies

• Credit (Months 1 3 More)

• Loyalty

Market Survey on Dry Fish

Swisscontact Sri Lanka

Questionnaire – B1 Demand Characteristics in Supermarkets / Retail Sellers

Super Market

City:

Date:

Name:

Position:

Products: (Primary Dried Fish)

Name Package Price /

Kg

Sales

Volume

Kg/M

viii

Products: (Value Added)

Name Package Price /

Unit

Sales

Volume

Units/M

Quality Assessment (Primary Product):

Humidity Content: Pack: Organoleptic:

Other:

Seasonal Variations:

Price: Availability: Demand:

Purchasing Behaviour:

Supplies are purchased from:

Producer Processor & Packer: WH Market:

ix

Door-step delivery by:

Effect of the Tsunami:

Pricing: Supply Levels: Product Quality:

Supply Consistency:

Contacts of suppliers to the Super Market to whom the Network could sell their products:

x

Do the Suppliers offer credit to the super market?

If Yes, the credit period:

Regulations applicable to the marketing of dry fish in Supermarkets

Labeling requirements:

Preferred packaging attributes:

Market Survey on Dry Fish

Swisscontact Sri Lanka

Questionnaire – A2 Locations for a production unit

Location:

District:

Date:

Discussed with:

Closest supply location:

Distance:

Number of Network members

in the locality:

Electricity: Drinking water:

xi

Access:

Extent of land available:

xii

Market Survey on Dry Fish

Swisscontact Sri Lanka

Questionnaire – B2 Export competitiveness of the product

Institution:

Name:

Position:

Date:

Dry Fish Types and Varieties that have an Export market:

Product Type Major Markets

Acceptance of the Sri Lankan product:

1. Available varieties:

2. Processed quality:

3. Exportable Quantities:

4. Supply consistency:

5. Packing and Packaging:

6. Price

Possible Non-tariff barriers

xiii

International rules and regulations governing the import of Food Stuffs (applicable

for dry fish):

Assistance available from the EDB:

1: General to the food industry 2: Tsunami effected areas

List of Exporters to whom the Network could sell their products:

xiv

xv

Name of Trading Establishment:

Address

Contact Person:

Types of Dry Fish Sold and Price/100Gr Mainly Local Dry Fish

Mainly Imported Dry Fish

Both local & imported

Where do they buy the dry fish?

Type of Product

Colombo Wholesale Market

Local Wholesaler

By visiting Dry Fish Pola

From visiting Sellers (Vans Lorries)

What are the best moving varieties of Dry Fish?

Other - Please Specify

Any possible Conflicts on new entry?

Yes

No

Quality

What is important to him?

Price

Questionnaire for Retailers of Dry Fish

xvi

Annex 3: District map of Trincomalee

xvii

Annex 4: Fish Movement to the Wholesale Market

xviii

xix

Annex 5: Basic Technical Process of Preparing Dry Fish

The fish are collected and washed well in sea water to remove sand and other particles.

The brine solution in which the fish are soaked is made by adding crushed salt to sea

water in plastic barrels to obtain a super saturated brine solution.

The washed and cleaned fish are soaked in the super saturated brine using large basins.

The time of soaking is about 3 hours and if the correct concentration of salt has been

used, the eyes of the fish should be completely dehydrated and destroyed by the end of 3

hours.

The fish are then taken out from the basins and arranged in single layers on the beach for

drying. The drying takes about three days when the moisture content of the fish drops to

below 30%. This is approximately a loss of about 2/3 of the original weight of the fish.

The drying fish are taken inside to protect from moisture during the nights and spread out

in the sun the next day.

The process of drying is completed by the 3rd day when the required weight loss of 2/3

has been achieved.

Annex 6: LIST OF SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Government officials Name Short summary Visited Phoned

Dr. Elmo Weerakoon, NAQDA

2675318

demweerakoon@yahoo.com

Potential candidate for consultant mkt research, but too busy. But helpful and interested. 28.6.05

TP, RZ

DR. REDKHA MALDENIYA, NARA Sent e-mail and phoned to ask for secondary data, but never got reply. 10.06.05

RZ

Mr. Fahreed, DoF, Trinco

026 2222133

Mr. Prem Lal DoF, Trinco

026 2222133, 0777510238

Phoned, referred us to Mr. Athugorala 06.7.05

RZ

Mr. Kanagasabapati, Assistant Commissioner of

Cooperative development, Trinco Distr.

026 2221029

NEPC & PS = responsible for registration, monitoring and auditing of fish soc, Central Gvt =

responsible for training and extension officers

Sent one of his MDO’s with TP to Kuchchaveli stretch up to Pulmoddai

19/20.7.05

RZ/TP

Mr. Illankovan

Commissioner of Cooperative development,

NEPC

Responsible for the entire NEPC.

Mr. Athukorala – Fisheries Inspector

Mr. Fareed – Fisheries Inspector

Dept of Fisheries

Fishing methods in Trincomalee, types of boats, ethnic complexities, fisheries cooperatives; their

organization and fisherman Behaviour, trade links and chains, interrelationships among

fishermen, traders and middlemen.

18-Jul-05

KT

xx

Trincomalee

Mr. Bandu Ekanayake

Priincipal – Fisheries Training Centre

Cod Bay

Training requirements and current status, catch situation in coastal and off shore fishery, types of

boats and fishing methods, visiting the Cod Bay Harbour, inspecting a multi-day boat. Post

tsunami activities of the government.

20-Jul-05

RZ, TP,

KT

Capt. Sarath Jayasinghe

Director Training

Ministry of Fisheries

Colombo

Types of fish used for dry fish and their national, English and Latin nomenclature, Outlook on

post tsunami development of the fishing sector, damage caused by the tsunami, a deeper

understanding on fishing vessels and gear, International poaching of Sri Lankan commercial

waters, Security situation in Trincomalee. Monsoon and fishing seasons, Behaviour of wind and

water currents during seasons.

22-Jul-05

KT

Mr. Sahabandu

General Manager

Ceylon Fisheries Corporation

Colombo 15

Demand Characteristics, daily buying and wholesale prices, current fishing situation. Seasonal

variations.

25-Jul-05

KT

Mr. Sufian (Deputy Director)

Mr. Prasanna Jayasinghe (AD)

Ms Srimatee (AD)

Ms. Chandra Kiriella (AD)

Sri Lanka Export Development Board

Colombo

Import and Export Statistics, Export Market Requirements, Rules and regulations, Dry fish

exporters from Sri Lanka.

14-Jul-05

KT

xxi

Fisheries societies Name Short summary Visited Phoned

Jeewa

Colombo Fish Wolesale Traders Union

Imports and current prices, current raw material availability, new trends in the buying and

selling chains, trader fisherman relationships, Situation of ice availability..

25-Jul-05

KT, TP

C.. Ananda Peireis

Chairman

Fisheries Society

Sumedhagama Trincomalee

Fishing habits and methods, Powerplay, Ethnic complexities, Current Conflict and its effect on

ethnic issues in the fishery industry (an outlook) Fishing seasons, raw material availability.

19-Jul-05

Private sector (shops, market places, supermarkets) Name Short summary Visited Phoned

Mr; K.Joachim, Mr. Rodigo (BKB Company) Mr.

Rajaratnamthnam (Vaeni)–Colombo wholesale

Market

Import, export, local production situations, power-play, Relationships, Monthly quantities,

quality of imported and locally produced dry fish, importers and exporters, Supply situation,

wholesale pricing.

09-Jul-05

KT/TP

Nihal Senerath

Manager Purchases

Keells Supermarket Chain

Product quality, Best Movers, Volumes of trade in Keells supermarkets. Packaging

requirements, Suppliers to Keells

10-Jul-05

KT

xxii

Nuwaraeliya

Central Market

A.M.M. Saleem Faris Stores

M. Mohammed – Lucky Dry Fish Centre

Karuppaiya – Paveesana Dry Fish Traders

Other Groceries:

M. Annakutti – New Kalpana Stores

S.M.A. Azees – Azees Enterprise

Cargills Supermarket

Types in demand, retail prices, Buying chains, Customer requirements, power play and trader

relationships, Customer characteristics, Sales volumes, trade practices.

12-Jul-05

KT

Ragala

A.I.M. Mohammed Hussein – Kairoon Stores

T.R.B. Rathnayake – Rathnayake Stores

A.T. Chandana – Piyasena Stores

K. Periyasami – Priya Stores

S. Ganesh – Ganesh Stores

N.M. Ebrahim – Ragala Traders

Types in demand, retail prices, Buying chains, Customer requirements, power play and trader

relationships, Customer characteristics, Sales volumes, trade practices.

12-Jul-05

KT

Kandy

Central Market

Nahinda Rohuwage – Nalini Stores

Rajakulendran – Kurukulasooriya Bros.

Other Groceries

- Mangalika Stores

T.K.Seneviratne – Madanwela & Sons

Types in demand, retail prices, Buying chains, Customer requirements, power play and trader

relationships, Customer characteristics, Sales volumes, trade practices.

13-Jul-05

KT

xxiii

- Janasiri Stores

H.A. Seneviratne – Ravi Stores

Wellawatte

Manager-Cargills Food City

Manager – Cooperative Shop283,GalleRd

S. Methsiri - Shop 1, New Market

V. Ganeshan – Gamini Stores 09, Manning place

M. R. Raja – Bismi Stores Kirullupone Market

T. Suresh – Kirullapone Central Market

S. Anganamuttu – Shop 2 New Market

Kavico Traders – 255, Galle Road

Types in demand, retail prices, Buying chains, Customer requirements, power play and trader

relationships, Customer characteristics, Sales volumes, trade practices.

15-Jul-05

KT

Kiribathgoda

Cargills Food City

Day Fair – H.D.Dharmasena

Day Fair – N. K. Dayananda

Day Fair – H. L. Sajith

Saman Wijesinghe – Bopath Traders, 38, Makkola

Road

- Ravi Grocery 73, Kanda Road

N. Wijesundara - Food Centre 171 Eeriyawetiya

Rd,

A. K. Kumara Ramyasiri Stores, 05, Kandy Road

Types in demand, retail prices, Buying chains, Customer requirements, power play and trader

relationships, Customer characteristics, Sales volumes, trade practices.

16-Jul-05

KT

xxiv

B.A. Kumara – Geeshani Stores, 83, Kandy

Road,

Trinco

Nimal Shantha – Fresh Fish Trader Fish Market

Mr. Athukorala – Fisheries Inspector

Mr. Fareed – Fisheries Inspector

Introduction to dry Fish traders. Fixing appointments. Discussion on the coastal and off shore

fisheries.

Fishing methods in Trincomalee, types of boats, ethnic complexities, fisheries cooperatives;

their organization and fisherman Behaviour, trade links and chains, interrelationships among

fishermen, traders and middlemen.

18-Jul-05

KT

Trinco …Continued

H.Sarath – Dry Fish Trader – Fish Market

P. Nimal – Dry Fish Trader – Fish Market

Current fresh fish and dry fish prices, Affect of imports, fisherman-trader relationships,

Volumes, buying and Colombo prices, Market chains, Types of dry fish and raw material used,

Ethnic and trading relationships.

19-Jul-05

KT

TP

Dry fish producing members of the Network

1) Town and Gravets

2) Kinniya

Current status, experience on production, examining samples, possibilities of reviving and

developing the production and trade activities and practices, social complexities, ethnic balance

and mutual assistance, availability of raw material, problems currently faced. Effect of tsunami

on their families and new problems.

19-Jul-05

KT

TP

xxv

NGOs/INGOs Name Short summary Visited Phoned

Serge Tissot, FAO

0773187359

2689363/4

serge.tissot@fao.org

FAO and Norway = lead agencies in tsunami-related fisheries sector reconstruction. Does not

yet have statistics on fisheries sector reconstruction, i.e. on replacement of gear as yet, will have

more info mid-August.

5.7.05

RZ

27.7.05

RZ

Ms. Lalitha, FAO

2689363/4

Gave general info on FAO tsunami emergency activities. Equipment and training (food

processing, agro gardening)

5.7.05

RZ

Mr. Bindu, FAO

2689363/4

To date (27. July) FAO has still not given out any gear (nets etc.) in Trinco and neither has

ICRC, says Bindu. Waiting for Gvt. Clearance. No info on other organisations and what they

already distributed.

27.7.05

RZ

Harim Sivasubramaniam, FAO

0773081245, 2559331

hari_fao@yahoo.com

Potential consultant but already 100% job. July05

RZ

Ms. Malika, Librarian

FAO

2580798 ext. 13

Gave 2003 FAO report on fisheries sector, very helpful 5.7.05

RZ

Imanari Ayako (parc_jaf@sltnet.lk)

PARC (Pacific Asia Resource Center)

28 Temple Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

phone: +94 21 222 7897

mobile: +94 776 571995

ARE DOING POST-TSUNAMI ANALYSIS OF SL FISHERIES. BUT REPORT

NOT COMPLETED YET.

10.06.05

RZ

xxvi

MR. CHANDRASOMA, ADB Sent e-mail to ask for secondary data, but never got reply. 10.06.05

RZ

VIDYA PERERA, NORAD

2469611/up to 4

No contact person in Trinco, persons in charge on holiday. July 05

RZ

MICKEY, ICRC, TRINCO Gave overview of Trinco district and politico-ethnic situation. See notes. People in LTTE ctrl

areas are far worse off than in cleared areas. People in Kuchchaveli are better off.

18.7.05

RZ

WALTER KELLER, GTZ Gave macro overview political and administrative situation, what GTZ and other agencies are

doing, advise on who to meet, passed pro doc on to Chief Secretary of NEPC. Very supportive.

19.7.05

RZ

MR. CROOS, GTZ Gave many helpful contacts and infos. See notes. Very supportive. 19.7.05

RZ

MR. JASON, GTZ Gave many helpful contacts and infos and put RZ onto Trinco coordination e-mail list. Very

supportive.

19.7.05

RZ

DIRK STEINWALD, GTZ MF IN CLB

0777881727

FS person within GTZ - synergies for training need of financial officers?

DR. VOLKER STEIGERWALT Rural Banking Initiative project – synergies for training need of financial officers?

MR. RAJANATHAN, SEWA LANKA

026 2227058

0777266804

Informed about SL activities and fisheries sector. SLF has MF and SBC training. Otherwise not

much info for our purpose.

19.7.05

RZ

xxvii

MR. NALLARAJAH, NECCDEP

026 2225336/7

0776700982

Explained what they are doing and referred me to Mr. Rizvi. Info on Fish sector. Very helpful. 19.7.05

RZ

MR. CROOS, NECCDEP

Was in CLB at the time of our visit in Trinco. But supportive. 19.7.05

RZ

MR. RIZVI, BDC, (SEEDS, ADB)

026 2225391, bdctrinco@sltnet.lk

Have demand from Cargills/Food City for Maldive fish, Cargills will send truck. Will do the

marketing. Link to ITI for tech. Women’s umbrella organisation through fisheries soc. Has a lot

of ideas, contacts and knowledge of the fish sector. Partner to look into. Very helpful.

19.7.05

RZ

Levan Tchatchua, OXFAM

026 2222700, 2227727, 0773187260

Explained 50/50% loan scheme that is now standard for fish soc aid. Fish prices very high.

Dutch NGO flooded mkt with canoes, price dropped from R. 40’000 to 15’000. Lots of illegal

nets used. Kinniya less need for assistance. Muthur and Echilampathai need more.

Susanne and Tom, SDC, Trinco

Susanne mob 077 318 53 86

Tom Mob 077 317 08 24

026 222 5956 – 8

Explained what SDC is doing – implementing GK housing/cash grant project on behalf of SRC.

Cleared and uncleared areas. No coordination between SDC and SRC. Says 77% of affected are

M, 19% T, 4% S.

Consortium of NGOs, 57, Post office rd.

Mr. Thawasilingham, Chairman and dept chief

sec infrastr. NEPC

Mr. R.M.J. Jhongarajah

Ms. S. Thambipillai

026 222 74 88

Stressed the importance for local NGOs to register with Consortium. 20.7.05

RZ

xxviii

Mr. Kalaichelvan

District officer

026 222 32 71

0777 204957

Explained role of Consortium of NGOs (local NGOs) and CHA (INGO’s) 20.7.05

RZ

Mr. Chopadithya

ITDG Sri Lanka

Technology and methods of preparation of lasted and dried fish. Requirements and successful

projects

28-Jul-05

KT

Mr. T. Rizvi – Business Development Centre –

Trincomalee

Projects currently under taken, possibilities of assisting the project, Socio-statistical data on

fishermen. Effects of the tsunami. Working in Trincomalee – Specific Indications.

20-Jul-05

KT

Other individual sources of information

Name Short summary Visited Phoned

Steeve Creech, Sewa Lanka Foundation

2861013

oddfish@slt.lk

Says there is good potential to sell dry fish. Advises to start project buy action

research and assess feasibility of production plant whilst working with the self-

employed people. Gave contacts of resource people. (see e-mail).

08.6.05

RZ

Nireka Weeratunge, Consultant

0773154479

nireka@eureka.lk

11.7.05

RZ

Mr. Leslie Joseph, Consultant Potential consultant, but busy. June RZ

xxix

Partner organisation and beneficiaries

Name Short summary Visited Phoned

STMRWN Visited to clarify questions regarding the organisational set-up the credit scheme

and the project implementation.

18.7.05

TP

KT = Kapila Tissera (Consultant), TP = Trevor Papalie (SCSL)

RZ = Ruth Zueblin (SCSL)

xxx