Livelihoods of all communities enhanced by peace dividend - Prof.
G.L. Peiris
The reality of the peace dividend is evident in the Eastern Province,
and can be enjoyed by all communities - Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim -
without any difference, Export Development and International Trade
Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, said in Ampara.
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Export Development and International Trade Miniser Prof. G.L.
Peiris handing over a Tuna Long Line Technology (Maruval
Pannaya) that could be used for fishing without the usual
net, to a fisherman. S. Nijamuddin, Deputy Minister,
Plantation Industry Development, M.M. Mustapha, Miniser of
Higher Education, Anver Ziyal, SLFP Organizer for
Samanthurai, Janaka Sugathadasa, Additional Secretary,
Ministry of Export Development and Ms. Sujatha Weerakoon,
DG-EDB were also present. |
Inaugurating a tuna long line fisheries project in Kalmunai, he said
the fisheries resources of the Eastern waters could not be commercially
exploited for more than a decade because of terrorism in the area. With
the dawn of peace, this situation has changed dramatically, and the
fishing community can look forward to a much brighter future.
The quality of the tuna catch was greatly impaired by the continued
use of traditional fishing methods involving nets, and this prevented
realization of maximum benefits in terms of foreign exchange, because
the Japanese market was particularly demanding in terms of quality,he
said.
Prof. Peiris said the Government was spending Rs. 11.5 million for
the multi-faceted project Rs. 10.3 million for the provision of
equipment including radar and fishing gear for multi-day boats, Rs.
900,000 for training and Rs. 300,000 for a floating jetty.
This project, implemented in collaboration with the Ampara District
Fisheries Department, will benefit fishing communities in the Kalmunai,
Akkaraipattu and Valaichchenai areas, Prof Peiris observed.
Higher Education Deputy Minister M.M. Mustaffa, referred to the
importance of using modern technology to enhance the livelihoods of the
fishing community in the area, and described the project as exemplary
from the standpoint of its practical impact.
Janatha Estate Development and Management Deputy Minister S.
Nijabdeen, commented on the properly integrated nature of the project,
which would make a significant difference to livelihoods and to the
economy of the coastal area.
Export Development and International Trade Ministry Additional
Secretary Janaka Sugathadasa and Director-General of the Export
Development Board, Ms. Sujatha Weerakoon, participated in these events. |
