The Colombo District Fisheries Coordination Committee Meeting, convened to identify the critical issues faced by the fishing community in the Colombo District and to formulate sustainable solutions, was held yesterday (16) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ratna Gamage, with the participation of the Committee Chairman, MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister announced a special policy decision and instructed officials to immediately identify government-owned buildings in coastal areas that are currently abandoned or underutilized. He directed that steps be taken to repurpose these facilities for the benefit of the fishing community. He further emphasized that fisheries organizations should actively participate in renovating these buildings and utilizing them as offices for fisheries associations , fish marketing centers, or venues for community service activities.
Other key issues and solutions discussed at the meeting included:
- Unauthorized construction and lagoon encroachment: Concerns were raised regarding unauthorized constructions in Moratuwa and surrounding coastal areas that are obstructing fishing activities. The Deputy Minister instructed the Coastal Conservation Department and the Survey Department to jointly demarcate relevant boundaries and initiate the necessary legal action.
- Waste management and environmental pollution: It was decided to develop a structured program in collaboration with local authorities to prevent the disposal of waste into lagoons and coastal areas.
- Infrastructure development: Officials agreed to expedite the provision of essential facilities around fishing harbours and landing sites, including sanitary facilities, clean water supply, and electricity.
- Fishermen’s safety: Instructions were issued to relevant officials and fisheries associations to strictly enforce the mandatory use of life jackets while at sea and to ensure the effective maintenance of fishing communication systems.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Minister stated that the fisheries sector plays a vital role in the country's productive economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between government officials and the fishing community to eliminate administrative obstacles and support the sector’s continued development.
Member of Parliament and Attorney-at-Law ,Lakmali Hemachandra, Member of Parliament Samanmali Gunasinghe, Mayor of Moratuwa K.D. Nishantha Fernando, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara, along with a number of senior officials from the Ministry and Department of Fisheries, were also present at the event.
