Wholesale fish market in Trincomalee

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry is building a wholesale fish market in the Trincomalee district to uplift livelihoods of Eastern province fishermen.

The ministry has allocated Rs 93 million for its construction, said Minister Rajitha Senaratne.

The minister said so during an inspection tour of the construction site in Trincomalee. This project is carried out under the Post-Tsunami Coastal Rehabilitation and Resources Management Programme which is conducted by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry. There are 62 fish stalls and 34 office rooms in this building. It has a cold storage facility and a parking facility as well. A water purification system, generator facilities, a canteen, drainage systems and other infrastructure facilities will be provided using modern technology.

"We are looking forward to initiate more projects in the Trincomalee district to develop the fisheries industry in the Eastern province. The construction work of this wholesale fish market will be finished this year," the miniser said.

"All measures will be taken by the ministry to increase the fish cultivation while protecting fish resources. At present we have taken steps to stop the use of illegal vessels and equipment when fishing," said the minister.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Deputy Minister Susantha Punchinilame, Deputy Minister's Private Secretary Lasitha Perera, Member of the Provincial Council Ariyawathie Galappaththi, Ministry Secretary Dr Damitha De Soysa and a large number of ministry officials also participated.