China grants Rs. 1b for Beruwala fisheries harbour project

Irangika RANGE

HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT: China has granted Rs. one billion to the Government to develop the Beruwela fisheries harbour. Developing this harbour was the request of fishermen in Beruwela for the past couple of years to the Government.

Under this project, it would modernise the harbour using latest technologies which will facilitate more vessels into the harbour.

This was the result of a discussion which was held between Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunication Rohitha Abegunawardena and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera to help the fishing community in the area.

The project will be carried out under a plan taking proposals of fishermen in the area into consideration. According to discussions held between Minister Abeygunawardena and the fisheries community in Beruwela. A speedy development programme will be launched to enhance the productivity.

The Minister said there are proposals that the harbour should be operated by the co-operative society representing fishermen in the area.

This society will provide an income report each month to its members.

It is also proposed to prohibit the arrival of vessels from outside into the harbour. Under this plan, the pier will be reconstructed.