Sea plane proposal discussed at meeting

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

The proposal to land sea planes in the Negombo lagoon was discussed at a special meeting the Aviation Authority, SriLankan Airlines and the Fisheries Ministry had with other relevant bodies following a protest staged by a group of fishermen in the Negombo lagoon and near the Negombo market, Member of Parliament for Gampaha district Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle told the Sunday Observer.

She said the relevant bodies have called for a detailed report from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency on the impact the project would have on prawns and fish in the lagoon. However, it was pointed out at the discussions that prawns breed mainly near mangrove plants and the small sea planes landing on the lagoon would have no impact on them.

“However, the issue has taken a political twist due to politicians misleading the fishermen. We have to educate fishermen that this will not have a negative impact on their livelihood. In fact, we were not informed beforehand on this project,” she said.

Protestors holding placards and chanting slogans had blocked vehicles on the Colombo-Negombo road for several hours recently until police intervened and made way for vehicles to proceed. The crowd dispersed following an assurance given by Dr. Fernandopulle following discussions she had with the fisherfolk in the area.