Ocean resources must be harnessed - Minister

Shirley WIJESINGHE

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera said Sri Lanka possess a sea area eight times the size of its landmass and it should be properly harnessed for the benefit of the people.

Minister Perera added that modernization of the Valachchenai Fishery Harbour is another project implemented by the Thotupala Aruna development drive. He was speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the renovation of the Valachchenai Fishery Harbour at a cost of Rs.300 million recently.

After the liberation, the Government has launched a new awakening in the Eastern Province. The life pattern of people have been brought to normal, the Minister remarked.

Perera said the Government has identified the Eastern Province to be given top priority in all development aspects.

He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a political leader who disregards all differences such as race, caste and religion.

Over 3,500 fishing families are expected to benefit by this project.

Parliamentarian and Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa and Fishery Harbour Corporation Chairman Asanka Abeygunasekera also spoke.