Fisheries harbour problems to be looked into - minister

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

'The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry, would take immediate action to solve all problems regarding the fisheries harbours islandwide, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

'While sand depositing had become a major problem in fisheries harbours, it had effected efficiency in harbours.

The Fisheries Ministry has taken steps to minimize the problem by initiating the proper management and coordination among the relevant authorities, he added.

Minister Senaratne said so, when he participated in an inspection tour of the Chillaw Fisheries Harbour and made specific inquiries concerning the sand depositing in the banks of the harbour entrance.

The minister had also given instructions to the relevant officers to provide all facilities to the fishermen and also solve their problems quickly, stating that all solutions should be on a permanent basis.

'Sri Lanka has attractive beaches and Tangalle beach was the most attractive. But according to fishermen, beaches are meant for boat mooring.

'The other problem was the construction of stone fences without any feasibility survey which had caused the reduction of the natural beach in certain areas in the Southern Province.

'The Fisheries Ministry would be taking all measures to hold a feasibility evaluation before the construction of the fisheries harbours, anchor lodges and jetties in the future, he further said.