(UTV|COLOMBO) – President Maithripala Sirisena says he was able to get the release of all the Sri Lankan fishermen arrested by Seychelles for poaching in their waters. This was a result of his bilateral discussions held with the President Danny Faure of Seychelles.
He made these remarks addressing the “Miridiya Waruna” 2018 award ceremony held at the BMICH, yesterday (11).
President Sirisena pointed out that the fisheries industry and fishing community of this country is a powerful force and the government will not allow it to be weaken at any time, and he also emphasized that the government will fulfill every responsibility towards the uplifting of the fisheries industry.
Expressing his views further, the President said that the present government has taken steps to allocate more funds for the welfare of the fishing community than any other previous government.
The President also said that the housing scheme launched for the benefit of the fisheries communities will be further strengthened.
A special scroll was handed over to the President by the rural fisheries organizations, and the President said that he will take steps to fulfill all the demands listed in this document including enhancing fish production in reservoirs, obtaining equipment needed for fisheries industry, obtaining state lands for farming of fish, deployment of officers to proper management of the reservoirs and providing financial assistance for the development of infrastructure facilities required for the fishing industry.
This award ceremony was organized by the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka in appreciation of the inland fisheries and aquaculture community of Sri Lanka who has made a remarkable contribution to develop the inland fisheries and aquaculture sector.
President Sirisena also presented the ownership certificates of fishing boats and equipment to the fishing community.
A special award was presented to the President by the fishing community.
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Vijith Vijayamuni de Zoysa, State Minister Dileepa Wedaarachchi, Deputy Minister Ameer Ali, National Aquaculture Development Authority Chairman Nuwan Prasanna Madavanarachchi and others participated on this occasion.
Courtesy : pmdnews