Rs.1b for rehabilitation of fisheries industry
 

by Anura Maitipe

The government has channelled Rs. 1 billion for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Fisheries industry, a spokesman for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources told the Sunday Observer.

These funds have been granted from abroad to uplift the fishing community in the country. The funds will be utilised for the reconstruction of fisheries harbours, ice factories and to provide fishing boats for fishing community, he said.

The reconstruction of fisheries harbours has already been undertaken by China, Japan and Belgium.

The Chinese government has undertaken reconstruction of seven fisheries harbours in Galle, Hikkaduwa, Devinuwara, Kudawella, Negombo, Panadura and Beruwala and some of them have already been completed, he added.

While the Japanese government is engaged in the reconstruction of two fisheries harbours in Tangalle and Kirinda, the reconstruction of the Mirissa fisheries harbour is handled by the Belgian government.

Under this program 11 fisheries harbours, 25 anchor bases and 31,500 houses destroyed by the tsunami from Point-Pedro to Dondra are to be re-built.

Apart from this all un-repairable fishing craft will be replaced with latest fishing equipment, he added.