The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said on Thursday that it handed over two specially designed climate-resilient fishing boats and 30 modified fish display stalls to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Fisheries, in line with the FAO's commitment to sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges.

The FAO said in a statement that the SL20 and SL23 fishing boats, measuring 6.3 and 7 meters in length, were meticulously designed for coastal fishing operations in Sri Lanka.

According to the FAO, these boats prioritize the safety of fisherfolk and are built to be capsize-resistant and withstand challenges posed by climate change, including more frequent and intense storms and cyclones.

In addition to the boats, the FAO in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries introduced 30 model fish display stalls aiming to minimize post-harvest fish quality loss by maintaining optimal conditions for safe and hygienic retail fish sales.

A recent study by the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency revealed inadequate maintenance practices among most fish retailers in the country.