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Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, and Aquatic Resources Development Minister P. Harrison tests a farmer’s tractor in Mannar as the Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen looks on
Fishermen in Mannar have appealed to the Government to build a fisheries harbour in Pesalai and support to stop Indian fishermen illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The appeal was made when Vanni District MP and Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Irrigation and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister P. Harrison toured Mannar on 26 August and met fishermen and farmers. Minister Harrison also launched several farmer support projects in Mannar on the same day, the Industry and Commerce Ministry said in a statement.
“We thank him for his interest on Mannar people’s issues,” said Industry, Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Cooperative Development, Skills Development and Vocational Training Minister Bathiudeen during the tour.
There are around 1,000 fisher families in Vankalai area of Mannar. These fishermen informed of the issues they faced such as illegal fishing by foreign fishermen in their fishing grounds and how to overcome them. They also voiced their need for a new sea sand belt that would prevent heavy erosion of their beaches and also called for a new fisheries harbour for them in Pesalai.
The fishermen also wanted compensation for their 81 ocean boats seized by the South Indian Ocean Patrol/Guards in the 1980-’85 period. These 81 boats were fitted with outboard motors at the time they were confiscated in Indian waters due to the ongoing war, they said.
Minister Harrison gave the assurance to Mannar fisher-folks that he will take up the foreign fishermen’s issue and the return of 81 boat in the coming weeks along with NARA and NAQDA officials, in meetings to be held in Colombo.
Minister Harrison also launched ground water pumps and the Marichchikatti Agrarian Services Centre that was completed way back in 2010 but was held back without launching till to-date due to an issue on its land. Another brand new Agrarian Services Centre was also launched in Vilankulama on the same day.
