The Fisheries Coordination Committee meetings were held successfully in Matara and Hambantota districts yesterday (06th of June) under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage.
These meetings were organized with the objective of identifying the problems of the fishing community and providing prompt solutions for them.
These meetings were held at the Matara District Secretariat from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm and then at the Hambantota District Secretariat from 2.00 pm. These are the second and third meetings of these series of Coordination Committees which has been begun in the Galle District.
Main points of focus:
Extensive discussions were held on the issues related to the services provided to the fishing community by institutions such as the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage specially emphasized that the use of prohibited fishing gear should be discouraged. He emphasized that illegal and prohibited fishing operations should be stopped immediately to ensure the safety and sustainability of the fishing resources and to increase the income level of the fishing community.
Future plans:
The Deputy Minister said that the main objective of these coordination committee meetings is to increase fish production and encourage the fishing community to engage in exporting. It is expected to held fisheries coordination committee meetings covering all the other districts of the island within the next two, three months. The Deputy Minister further stated that the Ministry and the Department will work to resolve the problems successfully in the fishing sector across the island by identifying problems at the district level and holding quarterly progress review meetings.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, the Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister, H.S. Hathurusingha, the heads and officers of all institutions affiliated to the Ministry including the Fishery Harbours Corporation, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources were participated for this occasion. In addition, the relevant District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, officers of Government institutions such as the Police, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Department of Irrigation were also present. A large number of people representing the fishing community, fishing organizations and various institutions were present.
