A special emergency insurance scheme titled “Sayura” is set to be launched today for the benefit of Sri Lanka’s fishing community.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader development agenda under the theme “A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life.”

According to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, the new scheme has been introduced in recognition of the high-risk nature of the fishing industry and the vulnerabilities faced by those engaged in it.

Chairman of the Board, Premasiri Jasinghaarachchi, says that the scheme is designed to be financially accessible and can be renewed annually, tailored to suit the economic conditions of fisherfolk.

The “Sayura” insurance plan will cover a range of emergency situations including:

Loss of life at sea or onshore during fishing activities

Permanent or temporary disability due to accidents

Hospitalisation caused by sudden emergencies

Funeral expenses

Cases of fishermen going missing at sea

The official launch of the scheme will be held at 3:00 PM today at the Kudawella fairground in Tangalle, under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunarathne and Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ratna Gamage.