Lack of will and perseverance hampering development - Namal

Chaminda Perera

COLOMBO: The fisheries sector suffered a major set back in the past and the Fisheries Ministry was cornered by every successive government, Tharunyata Hetak Organisation President Namal Rajapaksa said.

Rajapaksa was speaking at the opening of the reconstructed Moratuwa Modera Fisheries Harbour devastated by the tsunami. The Chinese Government funded the project.

This sector has seen massive development under President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He initiated various programmes to develop this neglected industry and uplift the living standards of fishermen, he said.

The President as the then Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister launched a series of programmes such as housing schemes, distribution of fishing implement, and fisheries harbour development for the fishermen's benefit, Rajapaksa said.

Rajapaksa said the Maritime University initiated by the President aims to revive this industry and meet the future technological demands. "This sector has taken vast strides forward with the development of technology in foreign countries. We should acquire such technical know how to develop our fisheries sector," he said.

Rajapaksa referring to the Tharunyata Hetak Organisation said the organisation will focus youth opinions and ideologies for the country's development.

"Our organisation will promote moral values and indigenous products and our identity. Our country has experts and everything needed for development but we lack will, perseverance and fortitude."

Rajapaksa presented the first sticker in aid of his programme to develop schools in the Trincomalee district to Fisheries Minister Felix Perera.

The Tharunyata Hetak Organisation has planned to develop schools in the Trincomalee district by providing infrastructure facilities for the benefit of students who have been affected by LTTE terrorism.

Fisheries Minister Felix Perera said fishermen were affected by the tsunami. "The Ministry aims at fisheries sector development through which fishermen of all walks will directly benefit," the Minister said.

The Ministry takes every possible step to provide fishing implement such as nets and boats to fishermen. The Government had restricted fishing in certain areas as terrorists are trying to infiltrate into some areas on the pretext of beingfishermen.

"We hope this can be eased to some extent in the wake of Eastern province victory by our Security Forces," he said. The Ministry introduced an insurance scheme for the benefit of fishermen.

The banks no longer are reluctant to issue loans to fisherfolk due to this." Lands Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga said the UNP deprived the people of their rights and all welfare measures given by the PA Government. They annulled the fertiliser subsidy and curtailed the Samurdhi benefits, he said.

Business tycoons were given tax concessions and perks. Certain media organisations are engaged in futile efforts to tarnish the Government's image by levelling false allegations, he said.

The Chinese Government provided Rs. 300 million for this model harbour which also consists of a fuel station and freezer facility. Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray, Deputy Minister Neomal Perera, and Chinese embassy officials were present.