Modern fish market by end of year

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

The residents of Colombo and the suburbs will have a modern fish market following the shifting of the St. John's market to Peliyagoda at the end of this year.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources told the "Sunday Observer" that relocating of the St. John's Fish Market from Pettah to a more spacious location at Peliyagoda will not only ease the traffic congestion in the city but will also provide better hygienic standards when the state of the art Central Fish Market Complex project is completed by December 2009.The spokesman said facilities at St. John's Fish Market wasn't adequate to meet the present day needs with regard to space, hygienic standards and facilities for both traders and consumers alike.

The Central Fish Market Complex will be built at a cost of Rs. 1,700 million which will be funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka.

The new market complex will comprise of 146 wholesale stalls and the retail section 136 stalls. A plant with a capacity of producing 25 tons of Ice will be installed at the new market complex. In addition three Cold rooms, Sewer/waste water treatment plant, banks, restaurants and a car park to accommodate 300 vehicles will be built.