In the face of the flood disaster situation spreading across the country, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Rathna Gamage, instructed the relevant sectors to deploy fishing boats immediately for rescue operations of civilians.
With the aim of coordinating the contribution of the fisheries sector to manage the disaster situation, an emergency meeting was held on 29thof November under his chairmanship.
Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Director General of the Fisheries Department Susantha Kahawatte and a senior captain of the Sri Lanka Navy also participated in this emergency meeting which was held via online.
Special attention was paid to the shortage of boats for rescue operations in flood-hit areas such as Avissawella, Chilaw and Kegalle.
"Our people are stranded. The shortage of boats is a serious problem. Therefore, as the Ministry of Fisheries, we are intervening to fill the gap," Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said. "As soon as a request was made from the Disaster Management Center (DMC), I instructed our District Fisheries Assistant Directors to provide the necessary boats. The Sri Lanka Navy will coordinate the transportation and operation of the boats, ensuring a speedy and organized rescue operation."
Following this decision, the Fisheries Department has already taken steps to immediately dispatch 30 boats from Colombo, 20 from Negombo and 20 from Aluthgama to assist in the national rescue operation.
In parallel with the rescue operations, the Deputy Minister implemented even a comprehensive plan to provide relief to the disaster-affected fishing community:
Immediate Damage Assessment: The Department of Fisheries and the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) were directed to immediately provide an assessment report on the damage caused to fishing vessels, gear and aquaculture centers.
Direct Relief to Fishermen: It was emphasized that any relief provided should be provided directly to the relevant fisherman without intermediaries. A proposal to provide a dry ration bag for fishing families who are unable to go to work is also scheduled to be submitted to the Presidential Secretariat.
Repair of Infrastructure: Instructions were also given to conduct an urgent survey of the damaged access roads leading to fishery harbours and landing sites and expedite the repairs.
Recalling that the early warnings issued by the Ministry on 26th of November helped to prevent a major disaster at sea, the Deputy Minister expressed his gratitude to the fishing community for following those instructions.
