'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.
|