Northern province fish cultivation doubled

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Financial assistance, loan schemes, fishing vessels, fish nets and other equipment provided by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry to the Northern fisheries community has helped double fish cultivation in the province.

Northern Province fish cultivation increased by 50 percent in 2010 compared to 2009, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne.

The minister revealed these facts participating at the opening ceremonies of several fish landing and community centres in Mullaitivu and Mannar districts recently.

The fish landing and community centres in Silawathei, Kallapadu and Manelkudirippu areas in the Mullaitivu district have been developed spending Rs 25 million. Rs.40 million has been spent for the development activities in Vidathaitheevu, Pasalai, Thalvapadu and Pullimunai fish landing centres in the Mannar district. Financial assistance was provided by the Canadian government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Auction centres, fisheries research offices, fisheries organization offices, engine rooms and auditorium facilities are available in the community centres. Other infrastructure facilities such as water, electricity and drainage facilities are also available in these buildings. Over 12,000 fisheries families will benefit from the constructions.

"We have spent Rs.65 million for the development of the fish landing centres in Mullaitivu and Mannar districts. We have built seven fish landing centres and four community centres in these two districts. The Fisheries Ministry spent Rs.354 million for the Northern province in 2010 and in 2011, we allocated Rs 300 million for the North," the minister said.