It is estimated that around 500,000 families are dependent on Fisheries in Sri Lanka. Therefore, in order to safeguard the lives of fishermen, Dialog Axiata PLC together with the Ministry of Fisheries launched the ‘Sayuru’ mobile app on November 28, 2023 at the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour.   Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Douglas Devananda and Head of Sustainability, Risk and Support at Dialog Axiata PLC, Asanga Priyadarshana launched the app for the fishermen. The code 828 was introduced to the fishermen through the ‘Sayuru’ app which helps to take the necessary precautions.     

According to research done by Dialog Axiata PLC, 35,000 boats set sail daily, carrying around 270,000 fishermen. Fishermen contribute to the economy like farmers; however, farmers do not risk their lives going out to sea. Fishermen sometimes sail for 1-2 months, and ‘Sayuru’ helps them to be safe by providing safety measures.
The app provides reliable and accurate information about the weather, and it alerts fishermen about hazards such as cyclones and strong winds. ‘Sayuru’ warns the fisherman by a free text message or a call, which provides the weather report to them before 24 hours. 

The ‘Sayuru’ app was launched with the thriving support of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Meteorology and Dialog Axiata PLC. Tharusha Wanigasekara,  Manager of Digital Innovation in the Sustainability Sector of Dialog Axiata PLC said “To expand the security of the fishermen, Sayuru was initially released in 2020, but now the app has been developed and released.” 

Hadil Nasri, Senior Executive of the Sustainability Division at Dialog Axiata PLC said “Sayuru is a free-of-charge app issued with information on wind speeds, rainfall and conditions at sea” Moreover, he added, “There is an offline facility that shows the destinations and the routes in the sea when sailing. The app helps to save the location where a good harvest is found, helping the fisherman to revisit the same location. A digital compass is also provided through Sayuru, and Dialog has extended its services through this app to share the locations with the family members of the fishermen as well.  

Previously, the newspapers, television and radio were the only media that existed to get to know the weather report, whilst even deaths have occurred due to the lack of advice on weather warnings, said one of the fishermen present at the launch. However, since ‘Sayuru’ is done by the Department of Meteorology and the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department it is more reliable, and will reduce weather-related occupational hazards” added another fisherman. 

Dialog Axiata PLC has placed 10 digital screens that provide the necessary weather-related information to fishermen. The 11th digital screen was placed at Dikowita Fisheries Harbour which was opened for fishermen by Minister Douglas Devananda who said that he is willing to provide the necessary support to expand the services for the fishermen provided by Dialog Axiata PLC. Whilst appreciating President Ranil Wickremasinghe for coming forward to save the country during the economic crisis, Devananda said that he is currently in discussions with the President with regard to reducing taxes imposed on fishing gear.

Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Kalyani Hewapathirana said, “Since weather patterns are unpredictable, the text message format is very important.” She further stated that she is extremely thankful to Dialog for providing the technology to safeguard fishermen’s lives. As grievances are regularly being received at her department, this move helps to safeguard the lives of the fishermen, she added. 

Picture by: Kithsiri De Mel