School, housing scheme for fishing community
Ridma DISSANAYAKE
|
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha
Senaratne operating a generator. Ministry’s Secretary Dr Damitha
De Soysa, CFC Chairman Maheel Senaratne, Vice Chairman D J U
Purasinghe and CFHC’s Chairman Amal Senalankadhikara are also in
the picture |
The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry will
establish a new school and a permanent housing scheme for the
Battalangunduwa fisheries community. All infrastructure facilities will
also be provided for them, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne.
The Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC) will spend Rs 7.9 million to
uplift the fisheries community's livelihood.
The Minister was addressing the Battalangunduwa fisheries community
during a visit in the Kalpitiya Battalangunduwa island recently.
There are 700 families live in the Battalangunduwa island. Dr
Senartne donated a generator worth Rs 6 million, fish drying machines,
polythene sealers and more equipment to the fisheries community.
The Fisheries Minister agreed to provide technical training to
technicians professional training to the younger generation and to give
loan facilities to encourage self employers and to buy fishing vessel
and gear.
A special insurance scheme will also be introduced to the fisheries
communities.
"When the fish price is reduced it could not affect fishermen.
Reducing fish price affects brokers. Steps will be taken to reduce
broker charges and give a fair price to fish production. It will be good
for the fisheries industry," the Minister said. He said the Fisheries
Ministry will start a pension scheme for those who are engaged in the
fisheries industry. The Ministry will provide scholarships for children
who are belonging to fisheries families. |
