Funds for NP fisheries development

Rise in Northern Province fish harvest:

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government spent over Rs 1,800 million for the development of the fisheries industry in the Northern Province since the end of terrorism. The Northern Province fish harvest increased to 18 percent from seven percent with allocations and investments, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

The minister participating in the opening ceremonies of community halls in the Mullativu district, said before the last three decades, the Northern Province provided 43 percent of the total fish harvest in the country.

It decreased to seven percent due to terrorism. The Northern Province fish production is showing a remarkable progress, the minister said.

Minister Senaratne opened three community halls in Kokilai, Nayaru and Iranapalai areas in the Mullativu district.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry spent Rs 4.8 million for the community halls with the assistance of the Fisheries Department.

The ministry also renovated Uppumaweli road spending around Rs 8 million.

The minister also distributed 25 OFRP fishing vessels, 25 15 Horse Power engines, 38 Maruwelpanna, 40 rafters, 40 sets of fish nets, 20 GPS Navigation equipment and 80 lifeguard jackets among fishermen in the Mullaitivu district.

The ministry spent over Rs16 million for these equipments. Fisheries and aquatic Resources Development Deputy Minister Sarath Kumara Gunaratne and Mullativu Assistant Fisheries Director J.Sudhakaranwere were also present.