Vocational training and alternative livelihood opportunities for women in fishing families: Measures to strengthen the sector’s economy by revitalizing fisheries unions.

The second session of the District Fisheries Coordination Committee Meeting, convened to identify the challenges faced by the fishing community in Kalutara District and provide prompt solutions, was held today (02) at the Kalutara District Secretariat under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage.

During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the shortcomings of the fishery harbours in the Panadura, Beruwala, and Kalutara areas, as well as the progress of ongoing development projects. The Deputy Minister instructed officials to expedite the development of infrastructure facilities related to fishery harbours and landing sites without delay. He also emphasized the urgent need to renovate the access roads leading to the fishery harbours.

The Deputy Minister further stressed the importance of strengthening the economic stability of the fishing community by making fisheries unions and organizations more active. He paid special attention to revitalizing fisheries women’s unions and instructed officials to implement targeted programmes, with financial assistance from the Western Province Fisheries Ministry, to provide vocational training and alternative livelihood opportunities for women from fishing families.

Additionally, drawing attention to a significant public health concern, the Deputy Minister pointed out that fishing vessels left idle for long periods at fishery harbours have become potential breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. Accordingly, he directed harbour management authorities to take immediate action to clean, repair, or remove such abandoned vessels.

Kalutara District Parliamentarian Chandima Hettiarachchi, Parliamentarian ,Attorney-at-Law Nilanthi Kottahachchi, the Kalutara District Secretary/Government Agent, the Chairman of the Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha, the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Chairman of the Fisheries Harbours Corporation B.A.P. Kapila Bamunuarachchi, senior officials from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, NAQDA, NARA, Cey-Nor, and the Coastal Conservation Department, as well as representatives of fisheries organizations, were also present at the meeting.