Fishing industry revived in Chalai

About 70 families of the fishing community in Chundikulam, Chalai and Peperaputti areas after 30 years, resumed their traditional fishing livelihoods on Saturday after the Army cleared LTTE minefields and declared areas safe for living.

LTTE terrorist activities in the North and the East in the past disrupted the fishing industry as terrorists continued their violence while mining various human habitations.

Army began de-mining work in those areas after the war, as normality was being restored.

The Chalai coastal belt, used by terrorists for their clandestine sea operations, remained one of their transit hubs for smuggling and an unloading pad for LTTE arms and ammunition, explosives, etc.

A simple ceremony was held on the Chalai beach, attended by fisher families, MP Chandra Kumar, 68 Division General Officer Commanding Brigadier K P A Jayasekara and civilians to inaugurate the fishing industry in Chalai seas. Major General L B R Mark, Commander Security Forces Mullaittivu had directed the Army to launch the programme. Courtesy: Army media