Peliyagoda fish market impetus to fisheries industry - PM

Mohammed Naalir

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka laid the foundation stone for the proposed modern fishing market complex to be built at a cost Rs. 1500 million at a ceremony held at the site yesterday in Peliyagoda. The project will be funded by the Government along with Asian Development Bank.

He said that nearly 50 per cent of the fish caught throughout the country is distributed through the St. Johns fishing market amidst huge difficulties. He said as there are all essential facilities in the new complex.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that a revolution could be achieved in the fishing sector on the completion of this market.

The Prime Minister said that due to the shortage of essential infrastructure facilities including a regular water supply and due to the lack of other essential facilities the sellers in the St. Johns fish market underwent untold hardships.

He said that there will be all infrastructure facilities at the proposed Peliyagoda fish market including a bank. He commended the efforts by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera under the Mahinda Chinthana to develop the fisheries sector.

The St. Johns fish market plays a major part in the distribution and purchasing process of fish. Nearly fifty per cent of the fish caught throughout the country is handled through the St. Johns fishing Market daily.

The quantity can be increased on the completion of new complex he added.

He noted that Sri Lanka always welcome foreign assistance granted without any conditions. He said the public had given a strong to the Government supporting its military operations carried out against the LTTE terrorists.

"The Government never interferes in military operations. This was the prime cause for the military victory against the LTTE terrorists."

In addition Prime Minister Wickramanayaka said that the terrorism too impacts on the development of fisheries sector as a whole.

Prime Minister noted that while carrying the military operations against the LTTE terrorists the Government never failed to cater to the innocent Tamil people. Their lives must be protected. Due to technical advancements the Forces could carry out military operations targeting only identified LTTE bases. We have modern war technology on par with other developed countries.

He said that the Government has successfully implemented massive development projects simultaneously while carrying out military operations against the LTTE terrorists.

Addressing the event Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera said that due to the tsunami catastrophe nearly 85 per cent fisheries resources were destroyed. Five thousand persons in the coastal belt were killed.

Minister Perera said the Government could renovate all fishing harbours within a short period. Moves are underway to construct an additional three harbours shortly.

In addition Minister Perera said that the terrorism hinders the development of fisheries sector as two thirds of the country's sea area is in the North and the East. With the liberation of the Eastern province the Government could expand the area. Now Mannar is also under the control of the Government. When Mullaitivu and other areas are liberated the fish needs of the country can be fulfilled without any interruption. Under the Mahinda Chinthana national programme funds have been set aside to develop the fisheries sector.

He expressed confidence that 30,000 metric tons of fish can be handled through the Peliyagoda proposed fish market. There will be facilities for more than 1,500 trucks to engage in loading and unloading.

When the available resources of the country are utilised optimally the country will achieve its development goals. The development of the country depends not only on the availability of the resources but also on the productive use of the resources, he added.

Deputy Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Neomal Perera said that the construction of the fish market complex is another move being taken under the Mahinda Chinthana. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months. All essential facilities will be available at this market. Even though it was intended to increase the multi day fishing boats by 10 per cent the government could increase it above 10 per cent, he added.