Valachchenai fisheries harbour inaugurated
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa opened the Valachchenai
modernized Fisheries Harbour on July 30.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in
conversation with a child after opening the Valachchenai
modernized fisheries harbour. Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne, Resettlement Deputy
Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan and Eastern Province
Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan were also
present. Picture by Chaminda Hittatiya |
The harbour which was destroyed by the LTTE in 1992 had not been in
use for nearly 20 years due to LTTE threats. The area was also affected
by the 2004 tsunami.
The Asian Development Bank funded for the project and cost of
reconstruction was Rs 330 million. The project includes the construction
of a new jetty for 200 boats, stalls, fishing nets, water facilities,
freezer rooms and a petrol and fuel storage point. Over 12,000 families
will benefit.
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Justice
Minister Rauf Hakeem, Eastern Province Chief Minister Shivaneshathurai
Chandrakanthan, Resettlement Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthy
Muralitharan, Child Affairs and Women’s Affairs Deputy Minister M.L.A.M.
Hisbulla, Residential Director of ADB Rita O’Sullivan, Chairman of the
Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation Amal Senadhilankara also
participated. |