Japan thanked for tsunami aid
 

by Malmi Sellahannadi

Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Christian Affairs Minister Milroy S. Fernando scorned at the idea that his Ministry was planning to return Rs. two billion received as aid to help the tsunami victims.

Addressing a media conference at his Ministry on last Monday. Minister Fernando referring to a news item in one of the dailies (not of Lake House) said that it was incorrect to say that we have plans to return money received as tsunami aid from the Japanese Government.

"We are very grateful to the Government of Japan for sending financial aid to rebuild the fisheries industry that was hit hard by the tsunami disaster. We will put all that money to renovate fishery harbours and other places needed to improve the industry", he said.

Secretary to the Ministry E. Jinadasa said the Ministry would utilise the money received to install 12 Containerised Cold Storages in Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, Kalutara, Ampara, Hambantota, Trincomalee and Galle.

The Ministry will also take steps to install, 11 containerized ice plants, 60 procumbent of freezer trucks for fish marketing, install block ice plant with the capacity of 50 mt per day and European standard processing plant in Galle district.