Tsunami affected fish industry in Matara revived

P.P.G. Sugathadasa, Thihagoda group corr.

THIHAGODA: The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has taken step to reconstruct and rehabilitate all fisheries co-operative societies destroyed by the tsunami disaster in the Matara district.

Under this programme Epitamulla-Kamburugamuwa Fisheries Co-operative Society in the Weligama Divisional Secretariat Division, Belikatuwella Fisheries Co-operative Society at Dodampahala South in Dickwella and Noonawella Fisheries Co-operative Society at Gandara West in the Devinuwara Divisional Secretariat Division are rehabilitated and reconstructed, Matara project coordinator, District Office, JICA, Chamali Jayalath said.

Reconstruction work on tsunami destroyed buildings, fish rental centres and fisheries community halls are nearing completion. According to Matara JICA, District office, tidal wave disaster affected people in these divisions would also be provided with loan facilities to restart their livelihood activities through these fisheries co-operative societies.

Those engaged in fishing industry, manufacture of Maldive fish, dried fish and coir products, also buying of fuel and many other trades would be benefitted by this programme.

Already Rs. 7.5 million was given for this purpose. United Nations Development Fund would financially assist these activities.

Development of human and physical resources and promotion of economic standard of people in tsunami hit areas in the Matara district would benefit from these endeavours, a senior spokesman attached to the Matara District Office, JICA, told the Daily News.