With the aim of directly identifying the issues faced by the fishing community in the Batticaloa District and providing permanent solutions to them, the Batticaloa District Fisheries Coordinating Committee meeting was held yesterday (12) afternoon.

Organized by Batticaloa District Secretary Mr. J. S. Arulraj, the meeting was held at the auditorium of the former District Secretariat under the patronage of Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

The meeting, held with the objective of developing the fisheries industry in the district and providing appropriate solutions to the problems faced by fishermen, included extensive discussions on various issues encountered by the fishing community.

Attention was focused on a number of matters, including the development of the Valachchenai Fishery Harbour, construction of buildings for fishermen, provision of electric lighting at landing sites, reopening the dormant ice factory, development of fishing roads, promotion of fish farming in cultivation wells/small reservoirs, and development of small tanks in the district.

Furthermore, discussions were held on establishing fuel stations to meet the needs of fishermen, finding solutions to challenges arising in fishing activities, taking measures to improve the livelihoods of fishermen, and protecting fisheries resources.

The progress of projects approved during the past period was also reviewed, while attention was given to controlling illegal fishing activities, finding solutions to issues related to fishing equipment, ensuring the safety of fishermen in the sea and inland water bodies, and promoting the sustainable use of fisheries resources.

Relevant departmental officials provided explanations regarding the issues presented by fishermen’s associations, and discussions were also held on the steps to be taken to provide practical solutions to those issues.

The meeting was attended by Batticaloa District Member of Parliament and Chairman of the District Development Committee Kandhasamy Prabhu, Members of Parliament Rasamanikkam Shanakiyan and Gnanamuthu Srineshan, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Susanta Kahawatta, Divisional Secretaries, Directors of Planning, departmental officials, representatives of institutions related to the fisheries sector, security forces personnel, and representatives of fishermen’s associations.