A state ceremony to award financial aids worth over 226 million rupees to uplift the livelihood of the inland fishing community severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah and floods was held today (23) at the Colombo District Secretariat, Narahenpita, under the patronage of the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage. Certificates of financial assistance were also symbolically presented to the fishermen.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekhar pointed out that this disaster had an economic impact four times greater than the tsunami (4.3 billion USD). "Despite the country's severe economic challenges, our government stands 200% with the fishing community. Our aim is not to simply restore to the previous status, but to build this industry strongly by targeting modern technology and export markets," the Minister emphasized.
Explaining the reparation and the government's immediate actions, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said that the fisheries sector alone has suffered a huge damage of Rs. 7,650 million.
However, he announced that the following disaster relief assistance will be provided in order to uplift the fishing community from today:
Lost or damaged freshwater fishing vessels: Provision of Rs. 40.5 million at One Hundred Thousand Rupees for each 405 vessels that were lost or partially damaged.
Netting gear: An amount of Rs. 186.34 million for obtaining 12,423 sets of nets for 3,246 fishermen.
Secretary to the Ministry Dr B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa stated that steps have been taken to send these funds directly to the fishing societies in a very short period of time through a scientific damage assessment.
Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) Kithsiri Dharmapriya appreciated the courage shown by the fishing community in the face of the disaster and requested them to join hands to increase production capacity even beyond the previous status by effectively utilizing the provisions to be received.
