For the first time in history, a minister inspects the Patanangala fishing pier
Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage undertook a special inspection tour to investigate the issues at the Patanangala and Amaduwa migratory fishing piers located in the Yala National Park on 27th of January. This is the first time in history that a Fisheries Minister or Deputy Minister has visited the Patanangala fishing pier.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Public Administration Ruwan Senarath, Chairman of the Tissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha, Tangalle Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and officers of the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management.
Patanangala Migratory Fishing Pier:
It was observed that this pier, located within the Yala National Park, yields a high export value fish harvest, such as lobsters. Currently, only 07 outboard motor boats and 18 fishermen are engaged in work with the permission of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The fishing community pointed out that the number of licenses and hut (waadi) facilities that had been issued for some time had gradually decreased. They requested that the number of boats be increased to 10-12, the number of fishermen to 30-35, and the lack of drinking water and sanitation facilities be addressed. The Deputy Minister said that since it is located in a wildlife zone, he will intervene to resolve these issues in coordination with the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Amaduwa Migratory Fishing Pier and Infrastructure Development:
A number of major issues were identified at the Amaduwa Pier, where 78 fishing vessels, 02 mechanical boats and about 150 fishermen are employed. The fishermen demanded the need for a ‘Beacon Light’ system to identify the entrance to the pier, and the construction of a culvert to facilitate movement during the rainy season by repairing the dilapidated access road.
The Deputy Minister said that the Ministry has allocated Rs. 15 million in this year to resolve the acute drinking water problem and scarcity of sanitation facilities at these piers. Furthermore, the need to provide insulated boxes for temporary storage of the harvested fish harvest in a standard manner was also discussed.
Since these piers are located in environmentally sensitive areas, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage pointed out to the fishermen the importance of engaging in the industry sustainably while protecting the environment. The Deputy Minister further promised that the government would intervene to provide the necessary facilities to these fishermen within a legal framework, after discussing with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management.
