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| Sunday, 2 January 2005 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Fisheries Ministry set up Disaster Management Committee by Chanuka Mannapperuma The Fisheries Ministry has set up a 'Disaster Management Committee' to revive the fishing industry which had been severely affected due to the tidal waves. Estimates reveal that 80 per cent of fishing boats and other equipment have been completely damaged and many fisherman have also lost their lives due to the incident, ministry official told the Sunday Observer. Of the total twelve fisheries harbours, ten have been greatly affected. Both Kalpitiya and Modera harbours were not damaged. Official claimed that they have estimated the damage to be over Rs. 1,700 million. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Chandrasena Wijesinghe said, that if proper technology and assistance are provided the industry could be revived within a short period". "That is what we are already planing to do", Minister said. The Minister also paid a visit to the National Aquatic Resource Agency (NARA) and had a first hand account of the damage it suffered.It is estimated that the damage to the institution be over Rs.400 million. Meanwhile the Colombo Dockyard and the Master Divers have assured that they would rebuild the three harbours Galle, Beruwala and Tangalle at their cost. In addition to that, some businessman in Sri Lanka have also promised to provide 1000 boats to fisherman.Each will cost about Rs.one million, official added. Official said, Russian Bank (Inform Progress) too has promised to provide Rs.one million for the infrastructure development of the fishing industry. Further Ministry official said that following fisherman have sought shelter at camps. 57,403 in Batticalo, 21,684 in Trincomalee, 16,475 in Ampara, 8,411 in Jaffna, 3,300 in Mullaitivu, 4000 in Kilinochchi and 2,200 in Puttalam. Among these 75 Per cent have taken refuge camps. |
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