Rs. 430 m from ADB :

Renovated Valachchenai fisheries harbour functions smoothly

by Mohammed Naalir reporting from Valachchenai

Under the Mahinda Chinthanaya national development concept fisheries harbours in the North and the East are being developed.

Hikkaduwa, Beruwela, Paranawella, and Mirissa fisheries harbours in the Southern coast will be upgraded to international standards, according to Ministry sources.

The Government has inaugurated a 10-years development program to uplift the fresh water fisheries industry.

The fisheries industry in the North and East is returning to normal after nearly three decades. The Government has focused attention to rebuild the fisheries industries in both regions. The Valachchenai fisheries harbour renovated with Rs. 430 million from the Asian Development Bank is now functioning smoothly.

It will uplift economic standards as well as the living standards of the fisher folk in the region.

The Valachchenai fisheries harbour consists of a vast area. Even fishermen in Kalmunai will benefit from the renovated Valachchenai fisheries harbour.

According to former Minister M.S.S. Ameer Ali, the harbour was constructed during the 1990s. It was destroyed by the LTTE.

Since then the fishermen in the Batticaloa district experienced severe inconvenience and were unable to pursue in their profession.

The Government fulfilled the long-felt need of the fishing community in the region. Now the fishing industry in the region is building up.

Ameer Ali said that the Valachchenai harbour is a treasure to the district as well as to fishermen in the Eastern coast.

The Sunday Observer spoke to fishermen at the Valachchenai Fisheries harbour. :- Muhammad Usanar Samsudeen, President, Al-Aman Fisheries Society said that it is the duty of everyone to protect this harbour.

There are over 3,000 members in the society and there are over 430 fishing boats operating under the supervision of this society. There are 300 multi-day vessels and over 100 shallow water boats.

Eventhough the harbour comprises all facilities, attention has to be paid on certain areas such as subsidy fuel relaxation and subscription. Fishermen who use the valachchenai Fisheries harbour are yet to be given life-jackets, Samsudeen said.

He recalled that the Disaster Management Minister has also instructed the relevant authorities that these fishermen should be given life-jackets. But there is no response.

Due to a lack of large vessels fish harvest is limited to a 1,000 kilos and facilities to stay in the sea only for one week at the most, he regretted.

He sought the assistance of the Government to purchase large vessels under a soft loan basis. It will help to improve the industry. The harvest can be increased by several folds. Such activities will help to achieve the Government’s target easily.

Samsudeen said that now they are paying Rs. 800 monthly as subscription to the harbour. On days the harvest would be less. Considering the state of fishermen, moves must be taken to reduce this amount to Rs. 400 or Rs. 500. He said the now the fishermen use 30 or 32 foot long vessels. The Government should take steps to provide larger vessels. Then we can stay for a long time at sea and could get a big harvest. Then the fisheries industry can be improved.The president said that they paid Rs. 3000 ransom every month to the LTTE. They forcibly picked fuel from us. Now we engaged in our industry without any pear.

He added that certain facilities were not sufficient. Steps must be taken to improve them. A special harbour development Committee has been setup. There are 17 members in this committee. Being a member I am making this request to the relevant authorities.

Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne during his visit to the East has promised that problems of the fishermen Batticaloa district will be addressed.

Samsudeen Noor Muhammad, a fisherman from Kalmunai said he is contented with the facilities available in the harbour. He said that staying in the sea is a thrill. Depending on the climate we stay in the sea over one week.

He said that there is no any shortcoming in the harbour. There is enough water and fuel in the premises.

When we were looking for a harbour in the region, the Government provided us a harbour with all facilities. Noor Muhammad said that the Valachchenai Fisheries Harbour will be the main contributor to the economy but the facilities must be improved.

Muhammad Ismael Rafaideen, skipper of a multi-day boat said, unlike those days the harvest can be brought to land easily and can be unloaded easily. Transport facilities are also available here. He said that the height of the jetty is inadequate, it should be raised. During the rainy days we face some difficulties.

There is no restrictions for fishing. Now fishermen go to sea without fear.

Muhammad Thahir, said there is enough room in the harbor, a large number of fishermen can mend and prepare fishing nets.

He said that the Government plans to provide identity cards to fishermen and recognise fishermen.

S.S. Hettige, Manager Valachchenai Fisheries harbour said that the Valachchenai fisheries harbour is the only well equipped harbour in the region..

Hettige said that there are all necessary facilities for fishermen. This harbour consists of an auction room, fishing net preservation centre and a cool room. The construction work of an ice plant is progressing and will be opened by January next year. There is a filling station, diesel, kerosene oil and lubricants are available. Water, electricity, fish purchasing centre, a boatyard, a pier and a fish preservation.

The harbour is a treasure for fishermen the region. Over 400 vessels can be anchored simultaneously. During the season time 300 to 400 fishing vessels come to this harbour. There are facilities to cater to all these vessels.

The foundation stone to renovate this harbour was laid on February 20, 2009 by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Felix Perera under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa under the “Mahinda Chinthanaya” national development concept under the “Thotupala Aruna” developing 100 anchorages along Sri Lankan Coastal belt by Ceylon Fisheries harbour Corporation.The Valachchenai fisheries harbour was constructed on request of Disaster Relief Services Minister M.S.S. Ameer Ali.

Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, then Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame, Deputy fisheries Minister Neomal Perera, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa (MP) and Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation Chairman Asanga Abeygoonasekara were also present. It was opened by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne on July 30, 2011.

Over 400 fishing vessels leave the shore daily from this harbour. The Government which understood the heartbeat of fishermen renovated this harbour. Senior Presidential Advisor and Now Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa played a keyrole in constructing this harbour. There are nearly 11 fishing harbours in Sri Lanka and some are located in the North and East.

Pix- Mohammed Naalir