The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has planned to establish three new fishery harbours in the Gandara, Gurunagar and Silawathura areas, a ministry media release said.

"A long term loan of Euro million 59.3 from the Denmark Government is anticipated for these construction works," it said.the release said:

Kalametiya Fishery harbour would also be constructed at a cost of 853 million. Jaffna Point Pedro, Kudawella, Puranawella, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Beruwala, Dickovita and Kodibay fisheries harbour would also be developed with more facilities at a cost of Rs. 6834 millions.

In addition to these loans the President and the Economic Development Ministry also have given funds for the development of the fisheries industry.

Meanwhile the Ministry also has plans to improve the technical knowledge of fishermen in coordination with NARA at a cost of Rs. 300 mn.

NARA will train them to use modern technology and to identify the dense fishery areas. The Cabinet has approved to buy a vessel monitoring system which is used to check vessels, in the identification of highly dense fishery areas, identification of foreign vessels, and our vessels breaking our sea limits.

Big projects aimed at obtaining harvest of a large number of fish varieties have been planned already.

It has also been planned to establish 8000 fresh water reservoirs. It is expected to double the fish harvest.

Meanwhile the Fisheries Corporation is planning to buy 90 vessels, while increasing Corporation out lets upto 250.

The first salmon factory will be opened this year at Galle with a daily production of around 15,000 tins.

A new programme called “Diyawara Yatra” has been started with the co-operation of Bank of Ceylon at a low interest rate. Through this fishermen can raise loans to buy vessels, repair them, modify them and buy engines and other related equipment.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka