Minister on inspection tour in Puttalam:

Fish cultivation increased by 5,590 MTs

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Fish cultivation had increased by 5,590 metric tons after banning illegal fishing vessels and equipment in the industry, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

He said so during an inspection tour in Puttalam district recently. The minister opened two social service centres and an engine store centre in Mampooriya and Kandakuliya areas during this tour.

The ministry has banned illegal vessels and equipment according to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Act.

Trolling systems, fishing with dynamite, spot light fishing, using banned chemicals, pushing nets and tank boats are prohibited as they are harmful to fisheries and aquatic resources the minister added.

Mampooriya fisheries harbour had been constructed according to the Mahinda Chinthana Future Vision and financial support had been provided by the Canadian government.

This harbour had been built according to a request by the fishery community in Mampooriya. The Canadian government had spent over Rs. 12 million for the construction of the social service centres and engine store centre in Mampooriya and Kandakuliya. Work has been completed under the inspection of the Fisheries Ministry and the World Food and Agriculture Organization.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has made all arrangements to recommence the housing project for fishery communities which was initiate by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and construction work will be completed in three to four years time, the minister said.

Minister Senaratne inspected the work at the Chillaw fisheries harbour as well.