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PM: No progress in fishing industry

by Ananda Kannangara

The presentation of colourful mementos to nine former Ministers of Fisheries in recognition of their services for the uplift of the fishing industry during the past decades was a highlight at the National Fisheries Day celebrations at Sugathadasa Stadium held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on wed nesday.

Delivering the keynote address, the Premier valued the services of former Fisheries Ministers to develop the industry. He said politics will not be considered when presenting mementos.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the fishing industry has not yet shown a significant progress comparing with the progress by paddy and vegetable cultivation. "The time has come for the authorities, qualified in the fisheries field, to develop the industry to be self-sufficient in fish which will help improve the economy," he said.

The Premier said that not using latest equipment and technological methods has affected the development of the fishing industry. Immediate steps must be taken to develop the industry, he said. "According to statistics, the world's current per capita fish consumption is 17kg. This will have to be increased up to 40 kg in the years to come to meet the needs", the Prime Minister said. "We are blessed with water resources not only around the island but also in the interior.

Therefore if proper action is taken, the industry can be developed to a greater extent and produce sufficient fish for the people," he said.

The Prime Minister also paid a tribute to Minister Wijesekera for his efforts to uplift the fishing industry. He said the government will encourage those involved in the industry.

Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister, Mahinda Wijesekera who presided accepting the challenges made by the Premier said the fishing industry will be developed not only in the South but also in the North.

Commending the Prime Minister's effort to bring peace to the country, the Minister said the fishing industry too could be developed throughout the country to a greater extent with the dawning of peace. Wijesekera said at least 1,000 anchorages totupola) in fishing villages will be developed.

Fisher families will be provided, infrastructure, houses and fishing equipment.

"Low interest loans will be provided to fisher folks after setting up a bank by the Fisheries Ministry." The Minister said a special Management Committee will be set up to look into the fisher families' needs. Wijesekera presented a copy of Fisheries and Ocean Resources National Policy and Development Plan to the Prime Minister.

Former Fisheries Ministers Indika Gunawardena and Festus Perera too received mementos from the Prime Minister while Colombo Mayor Prasanna Gunawardena accepted a memento on behalf of his father, late Philip Gunawardena. Nearly 3000 members of fisher families participated.

Representatives of former Fisheries Ministers, P. H. William, George Rajapakse, S. D. R. Jayaratna, S. D. S. Jayasinghe, Joseph Michael Perera and Mahinda Rajapakse also received mementos from the Prime Minister.

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