Fishing restrictions lifted from Mullaitivu to Mannar

The Government has decided to ease restrictions previously imposed on fishing activities off the Northern coast from Mullaitivu to Narchchikudah, Mannar with immediate effect, Senior Advisor to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province, Basil Rajapaksa announced at a meeting with the fishing community at the Karainagar Naval Camp today (19).

Accordingly, the fishermen will enjoy the privilege of engaging in fishing round the clock.

In the move to provide immediate incentives to help boost production, the State has allocated Rs.303 million in addition to cold storage facilities, fishing floats, rest rooms and anchorages would be constructed. Fishing Societies will be afforded loan facilities while the two cool rooms sent to the East would be installed in Jaffna.

Facilities at fishing villages will be upgraded under the 'Uthuru Wasanthaya' concept and a boat valued at Rs. 150 million will be made available for travel to the Delft Island.

The Special Presidential Adviser Basil Rajapaksa conveyed the gratitude of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Northern people for the unstinted cooperation given to defeat terrorism while losing their avenues of income due to terrorism.

He however noted that there were elements both here and abroad trying to disrupt the welfare of the Tamil people. He appealed to all sections not to create hatred again among communities but to help promote the concept 'Uthuru Wasanthaya' for the benefit of the Tamil people.

Accordingly, relevant fishing communities will have the freedom to engage in their chosen livelihood. Furthermore, they will be allowed to use 'ma-del' fishing nets and boats up to 15-25 horsepower. Also, apart from a small area close to the Palaly Airport, restrictions on other areas have been lifted to enable those who wish to engage in fisheries activities.

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