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| Sunday, 15 May 2005 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Fuel subsidies for Mannar fishermen by Elmo Leonard Fishermen in the Mannar district who own mechanised fishing craft are to be issued with fuel subsidies of Rs. 5,000 and those who hold larger 3.5 tonne 28 footers fishing craft, subsidies of Rs. 7,000. The coupons will be distributed in Mannar. Mannar, the north-western coastal district of Sri Lanka counts 9,600 active fishermen and a fishing population of 28,253. Indian pirate fishing trawlers are not seen in the island's waters off the coasts of Mannar these days as India has clamped down a 40-day ban on fishing to enable her coastal fisheries resources to benefit from the ongoing fish breeding season. Contrary to common belief, 848 fishermen from the Mannar district were affected by the December 2004 tsunami, and their loss has been estimated at Rs 14.5 million (Rs. 100 to a US dollar) according to assistant director of fisheries, J. P. Julian. Fisherman Anton Marcus said that although there was no loss of life to fishermen in the Mannar district following the tsunami, some fishing craft were destroyed, others damaged and many fishermen lost their fishing gear, including nets. No NGO had come forward to assist the fishermen affected by the tsunami in the Mannar district, with emphasis on helping the fishermen in the south and eastern coasts of the island, where the tsunami had hit worst, killing many of the fishermen and the next generation among their numbers. Mannar is the abode of the poor fisherman and none own multi-day fishing
craft. The fishermen of Mannar resumed fishing activity with the peace
process, a few years ago, having faced a 20-year ban on fishing. |
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