The second District Fisheries Coordination Committee meeting, convened to identify the professional and infrastructure-related challenges faced by the fishing community in the Hambantota District and to implement prompt solutions, was held yesterday (04) at the Hambantota District Secretariat under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Rathna Gamage.
Representatives of associations representing both saltwater and inland fishing communities presented their concerns to the Deputy Minister. Particular attention was given to the difficulties faced by small-scale fishing vessel operators in obtaining kerosene and to reviewing the current progress of the government’s fuel subsidy programme. Discussions also focused on deficiencies in services provided at fishing harbours, as well as the need to improve road infrastructure leading to fishery harbours and anchorage sites.
Addressing issues related to the inland fisheries sector, the Deputy Minister stated that an urgent programme would be launched to revive inland fisheries activities affected by the silting of reservoirs and the spread of aquatic vegetation. He further instructed officials to streamline the distribution of essential equipment, including insulated fish boxes and pallets, to fishermen with the support of the Provincial Ministry.
The Deputy Minister also directed officials to establish a coordinated and flexible mechanism involving all relevant institutions to curb illegal fishing activities and effectively address matters falling under the purview of the Department of Coast Conservation and the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation. He commended the active contribution and commitment of the Secretary of the Southern Provincial Fisheries Ministry and other officials involved in these development initiatives.
Members of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi and Dilip Wedaarachchi, the Mayor of Hambantota, the Hambantota District Secretary, the Chairman of the Ambalantota Pradeshiya Sabha, the Chairman of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation, B.A.P. Kapila Bamunuarachchi, the Chairman of Cey-Nor, the Additional Secretary to the Ministry, the Director (Development) of the Department of Fisheries, and a group of senior officials from NARA and NAQDA also participated in the event.
