Marketing facilities for N-E fishermen

Irangika RANGE

The Government will provide marketing facilities to fishermen in the North and East to sell their day's catch in the same day at the Narahenpita Dedicated Economic Center (DEC).

This decision was taken at the Cost of Living Committee chaired by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to uplift the socio-economic conditions of Northern and Eastern fishermen while providing fresh fish to consumers.

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardene said nearly two third of the Sri Lankan coast line is in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

In addition, nearly 40 percent of the country's fish production came from the North and East.

The Minster said the lifting of fishing restrictions after the liberation of the North and East has brought about this result of nearly 40 percent of fish production from these two provinces. Therefore, this opportunity would facilitate the fishermen in both provinces to obtain best prices for their fish which will vastly improve their living conditions.

The Minister said consumers in Colombo and suburbs will be able to purchase fresh fish coming from North and East at cheaper rates.

Meanwhile, the Fisheries Ministry has pledged to purchase fish coming from North and East if the fish stock would remain in the DEC in Narahenpita unsold daily.