The government expects to complete the construction of the Gandara Fishery Harbour project in Matara within the stipulated timeframe and make its services available to the fishing community at the earliest, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage stated.
The Deputy Minister undertook a special inspection tour of the Gandara Fisheries Harbour premises today (29) at 8:30 a.m. to review the current progress of the project firsthand. Implemented with a substantial investment of Rs. 13,400 million, the project is scheduled for completion by December 2026 and will thereafter be handed over for public use.
During the visit, the Deputy Minister met with representatives of local fisheries organizations and held extensive discussions regarding the challenges faced by the fishing community. He instructed the relevant officials to take immediate and appropriate measures to address the issues raised and provide timely solutions.
Subsequently, a special meeting was held at the Devundara Divisional Secretariat at 9:30 a.m. under the Deputy Minister’s patronage. During the meeting, the new proposal prepared by the LHI Institute for the construction of an additional breakwater for the Gandara Fishery Harbour was presented to the fishing community. Following a comprehensive discussion between fishermen and officials, consensus and approval for the proposed plan were successfully obtained from all stakeholders.
The event was attended by the Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries, Engineer Mr. Lanka Ramanayake, Development Director Ms. Yasintha Gunawardena, Deputy General Manager of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation, Mr. Prabath Ranaweera, the Assistant Director of Fisheries for Matara District, other ministry and departmental officials, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Devundara Pradeshiya Sabha, and several other representatives.
