The follow-up review whether the instructions given for the completion of works at Hambantota, Kuduwella, Gandara, Galle, Mirissa, Beruwala, Maradana, Peraliya, Dodanduva and Panadura harbours in the southern province have been properly implemented took place at the Ministry of Fisheries on the 9th under the chairmanship of the Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Douglas Devananda.
Officials of Ceylon Fishery Harbors Corporation and Ministry of Fisheries joined in the discussion.
The officials concerned were questioned about the delay in the process despite the Minister having given instructions, in particular, to immediately remove the sand accumulated at the Kirinda Fishery Harbour.
The minister pointed out that a cabinet paper should be submitted immediately to export this sand and earn foreign exchange since this sand cannot be used for construction works in Sri Lanka and he also advised to develop this Harbour with the proceeds.
The Minister who instructed to immediately complete the cleaning of the harbours and the renovation of internal roads also instructed the relevant officials to install beacon lights and solar systems in every harbour.
Furthermore, the minister also instructed to remove the dilapidated boats parked in the harbours and seek necessary advice from the legal officer of the Ministry, if there is any legal obstacle in that regard.
A group of officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Ms. Indu Ratnayake, and the Managing Director of the Fishery Harbors Corporation, Mr. Satyanathan, attended this occasion.
