Govt. lifts fishing restrictions in N-E

Following easing of security threats

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: The Government has done away with a series of restrictions imposed on fishing activities in the North and East, Presidential Media sources said.

The fishing community in the North and East had invariably confronted serious threats and obstacles at the hands of the LTTE. The LTTE had also disguised themselves as fishermen and attacked the Security Forces.

In this backdrop, the Government as a precautionary safety measure and to ensure peace and security of the civilian population, had no alternative but to impose certain limitations on fishing activities in the region.

However, following a special discussion President Mahinda Rajapaksa had with relevant authorities in the Security Services and Fisheries Ministry officials at Temple Trees on Wednesday, the Government has now decided to lift all such restrictions, to enable the fishing community there to engage in their normal livelihoods.

The fishing community could now freely engage in their normal fishing activities in the lagoons, estuaries and the deep and shallow waters of the sea around the island.

It is believed that with almost a total capture of the LTTE controlled areas in the East by the Government forces, the successful re-settlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the development of infrastructure facilities, the lifting of these limitations will ensure the economic well-being of the people and bring back normality to the region.

Although the fishing community in the other regions are generally known to engage in their fishing activities for six days a week, those in the East were restricted to only four days in the past, due to security considerations. Following the discussions, they will now be permitted five days of fishing.

Considering practical problems encountered by the fishermen the permissible time for fishing has also been extended now from the earlier schedule of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., to 4 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It had been decided to lift the long-standing ban on fishing in the Muthur Cod Bay Fisheries Harbour. This decision will undoubtedly pave the way for a multitude of fishermen to recommence their livelihoods.

It had also been decided to lift the previously enforced 12 miles limit for both day and multi-day craft, and also to return the high-speed fishing craft confiscated from their original owners in the past for security reasons.

With the implementation of these decisions, resulting in an increase of marine produce, plans are underway to develop the infrastructure facilities such as cold storage and transport to Colombo and other marketing centres.

It is expected that these decisions will result in an increase of around 30 to 50 per cent in production and enable the consumers to enjoy quality marine products at more economical prices.

The fishing community in the East, including Vakarai, Verugal, anichchkankern, Valachchanai, Pasikudah, Kalkudah, Eravur, Mailasabadeli, Batticaloa, Thamilathivu, Kattankudi and Alawanchikudi will benefit immensely.

Fisheries Minister Felix Perera, Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame, Deputy Fisheries Minister Neomal Perera, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Eastern Commander Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya and other officials participated at the discussions.

With the implementation of these decisions, resulting in an increase of marine produce, plans are under way to develop the infrastructure facilities such as cold storage and transportation to Colombo and other marketing centres, which would help in minimising the post harvest loss.

It is expected that these decisions will result in an increase of around 30 to 50 per cent in production and enable the consumers to enjoy quality marine products at more economical prices. The fishing community in the East, including Wakarai, Verugal, Panichchkankern, Valachchenai, Pasikudah, Kalkudah, Eravur, Mailasabadeli, Batticaloa, Thamilathivu, Kattankudi and Alawanchikudi are believed to benefit immensely.

Fisheries Minister Felix Perera, Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame, Deputy Fisheries Minister Neomal Perera, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Vasantha Karannagoda, Eastern Commander Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya and other officials participated at the discussions.