Construction work on Peliyagoda fish market begins

by Imantha Caldera

St. John's fish market in Colombo will be shifted to Peliyagoda. Construction work will commence this month. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Media Co-ordinator, Sunil Godege said.

The agreement for the project was signed by Fisheries Ministry Secretary, G. Piyasena in December on the instructions of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister, Felix Perera. The market will conform to international standards.

The ultra modern market is estimated to cost Rs. 1,000 million. Of this amount Rs. 400 million will be granted under the Aquatic Resources Development Project funded by the Asian Development Fund. The balance will be met by the Government of Sri Lanka.

The market will be used for wholesale and retail trade. Transport and distribution will be done with modern technology. The area allocated for the project is 3.17 hectares.

The project is due to be completed within two years. There will be 148 wholesale stalls, 14 retail stalls and a flake ice plant of 50 tonne capacity. In addition there will also be a 25 tonne cold room facility and a parking area for 500 vehicles and 100 lorries.

Facilities such as canteens, sanitary, communication and banking will be made available. About 500 tonnes of fish will be sold daily.