With the aim of providing urgent solutions to the problems faced by the fishing community in the Puttalam District, the second District Fisheries Coordination Committee meeting was held yesterday (11) at the Puttalam District Secretariat under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage.
Co-Chairman of the District Coordination Committee and Member of Parliament Gayan Janaka Kumara, along with Members of Parliament Ajith Gihan and Mohamed Faisal, as well as a large number of government officials and representatives of fisheries associations, participated in the event.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage emphasized to officials the importance of improving the efficiency of services provided to the fishing community. The Coastal Conservation Department was instructed to take urgent measures to prevent the worsening coastal erosion, particularly in the Puttalam District, while support from the Department of Wildlife Conservation was also sought to support the development of the fisheries industry.
Key decisions and progress of the discussion:
Progress in port development and new proposals:
It was decided to implement proposals for the construction of finger jetties to improve facilities at the Wellamangara Fishery Harbour under the provisions planned for 2027. Special attention was also paid to the issue of the closure of the Chilaw Estuary and the existing shortcomings at the Kalpitiya Fishery Harbour. In addition, it was revealed that the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is already taking steps to survey and gazette all fisheries anchorages.
Accelerating disaster recovery:
During the discussion, it was also noted that urgent work is already underway to repair the damage caused to the Chilaw Fishery Harbour and small fishing vessels by Cyclone Ditva, with restoration activities being carried out by Cey-Nor Foundation Limited and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The North Western Provincial Fisheries Secretary and the Puttalam District Secretary also expressed their views at the meeting. In addition, discussions were held on the national importance of reducing plastic pollution in the ocean.
