No reason for N-E fishermen to grumble any more

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

Fishermen are now allowed deep sea fishing during the whole day and to the full extent of the country’s territorial waters.

This is due to the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the country.

Due to certain security conditions, fishermen were not able to go to the sea during the whole day and were restricted in the distance they could venture out to sea. However the conditions that gave to these restrictions are no more with the LTTE defeated. “The fishermen are free to engage in their fishing activities throughout the day,” Sri Lanka Navy Joint Operational Officer for Silawathura, Captain I.M.G.B. Jayathilaka said.

Consequently the fishing community in the North and East will be able to improve their livelihood and obtain a better income than in the past since they are now free to move without restrictions.

Fishing activities will now revert to its former times where fishermen reaped a bountiful harvest.

The fishermen in traditional fishing villages in Mannar, Thalaimannar, Jaffna and Silawatura had left the areas due to terrorist activities. They have returned and are engaging in their livelihood.

“The Navy provides these fishermen with security and fulfil other requirements of the fishing families. Unlike those days, the fishermen go to sea with confidence. In the Musali Provincial Secretary Division, 4,900 families have been registered with the Navy,” Captain Jayathilaka said.

Also like in the old days, the transport of fish has resumed to the South while as a result of the opening of the A9 road 24 hours a day, traders in the South visit the North freely, Captain Jayathilaka added. “We get a better income from this profession.

In the past we were afraid that our boats would be hijacked by the LTTE in the sea. Moreover the Government gives assistance to fishing families,” Savuriyapuram Muthu Fishing Society Chairman A.V. Gunasena said.