Panadura breakwater:

China provides Rs 300 m for construction

Kapila Somaratne Panadura Group Correspondent

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yang Xiuping said the strong bonds of friendship between the People's Republic of China and Sri Lanka have been further strengthened since permanent peace was established in Sri Lanka by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

She was addressing the gathering at Navron Beach Hotel, Panadura at the inauguration of work to construct a 300 metre long breakwater at the Panadura-Moratu estuary on June 11.

Ambassador Xiuping said the establishment of fisheries harbours around the country is vital for economic growth.

She said the Chinese Government has assisted Sri Lanka in various development projects.

People's participation is important for the country to reap the benefits of development.

The Ambassador said the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry must provide all the facilities to develop the industry.

The Chinese Government has provided funds for the development of the fisheries industry.

Ambassador Xiuping said China is providing Rs 300 million to build the Panadura breakwater.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne thanked the Chinese Government for providing funds to construct fisheries harbours in Sri Lanka.

The minister said the construction of the Panadura breakwater would ease congestion at the Beruwela Fisheries Harbour. Minor Export Crop Promotion Minister Reginald Cooray while thanking the Chinese Government, said the new breakwater would give easy access to vessels and boats entering the Panadura Fisheries Harbour.

Minister Cooray requested that a road be constructed around the Panadura estuary to the Hudson Children's playground.

This would provide easy access for tourists visiting the fast developing Panadura beach resort.