The foundation stone-laying ceremony for the construction of rest and fishing net mending halls for the benefit of fishermen in the areas of Periyaneelavanai, Karaitivu and Ninthavur in the Ampara District was held yesterday (14.08.2026 ) under the patronage of Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

The project is implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries with the objective of providing the basic infrastructure required by fishermen, taking into consideration their day-to-day occupational needs.

Accordingly, Rs. 24 million has been allocated for the hall to be constructed in the Periyaneelavanai area, while Rs. 22 million has been allocated for the halls to be constructed in the Karaitivu and Ninthavur areas. Accordingly, a total of Rs. 68 million has been allocated for the construction of all three halls.

With the construction of these halls, fishermen will be able to access the facilities required to repair and maintain their fishing nets and to rest during fishing activities at a single location. Through this, it is expected to improve the working environment of fishermen as well as reduce the occupational difficulties they face.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament A. Athambawa, 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, along with government officials, representatives of institutions related to the fisheries sector, representatives of fisheries societies and a large number of fishermen from the area.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Fisheries continues to work towards providing the necessary infrastructure with the aim of strengthening the livelihoods of fishermen and creating a suitable environment for them to carry out their occupation conveniently and safely.