In Sri Lanka’s Mullaitivu District, fishing communities face challenges to sustain their livelihoods.  They lack adequate knowledge and skills in proper fish handling and processing methods, as well as quality equipment and cold storage facilities. Unhygienic fish processing practices, poor storage and weak transportation systems are causing high post-harvest losses, leading to reduced incomes.

To improve household incomes of fishing communities, UN-Habitat with funding from the Adaptation Fund, is conducting practical training programmes for fisher families, with a focus on women and youth, on fish handling, fish preservation, value addition, and digital marketing. Fisher families are also trained in proper storage, packaging, and transportation methods to improve product quality and reduce losses. In addition, they are trained in digital marketing and basic business skills to sell their products using mobile phones and social media.

These training programmes are conducted by UN-Habitat through the project “Build Resilience to Climate Change and Climate Variability of Vulnerable Communities in Mullaitivu District of Sri Lanka”, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Mullaitivu District Secretariat, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Aquaculture Development Authority and Fishermen’s Organizations. This initiative is supporting 298 fishermen, including 162 women, to improve their livelihoods, while building resilience to climate change.

In early May 2026, the first set of training programmes titled “From Catch to Customer: Strengthening Fish Value Chains through Improved Hygiene, Processing, Preservation, and Digital Marketing” were successfully completed in Welioya, Maritimepattu, and Puthukkudiyiruppu DS Divisions.

The programme is encouraging female participants to improve their incomes through home-based businesses using local resources and simple technologies. The training session covered how to start small businesses, financial management, record keeping, marketing, and entrepreneurship skills.

Mrs. Balachandran Mary Jasintha, a resident of Kallapadu North Grama Niladhari Division, said “This training helped us learn better fish handling, preservation, and marketing methods. We now have more confidence to improve our income and support our families.”

By improving skills, increasing income opportunities, and supporting women’s empowerment, the project is helping to build stronger and more climate-resilient communities in Mullaitivu District.