'Unknown fisherman's statue, a blot on H'tota

M. Nelson PIYARATNE Kataragama Gr. Cor.

The statue of the "Unknown fisherman" at Hambantota which was damaged by the tsunami waves in 2004 has not been repaired since then.

This statue was constructed by the Hambantota Urban Council near the Hambantota fisheries harbour as a mark of respect for fisherfolk who provide food with protein to the nation. The statue was erected by the Hambantota Urban council in 1987 parallel to the International Year of Housing at a cost of about Rs. 100,000.

The fisherfolk in the area say that at one time this statue was a pride to them but today it is a disgrace with broken limbs.

When the media inquired from the Hambantota Urban Council about it a high official speaking on the ground of anonymity said that there were no funds to repair the statue. Residents say that the broken statue is an ugly sight for Hambantota which is developing and call upon the authorities to renovate it as early as possible.