Total revival of NE fishing soon

Sri Lanka can soon expect a total revival of the North East fishing sector with the relaxation of security measures.

Around 4,000 fishermen in Jaffna harvest 53,000 metric tons of fish per year. However, due to security precautions in 2008 the volume came down to 14,000 metric tons of fish while in the East the 72,000 MT fish yield had dropped to 22,380 MT.

However, in 2008 with the dawn of peace, fish production in the Eastern province increased to 61,000 MT. With permanent peace only a few days away the Northern fishing sector too is expected to get into top gear. New technology such as radio links are to be introduced in addition to the value chain from cool rooms, ice plants and freezer trucks being supplied. "A total physical distribution system is getting into place and there are many opportunities for the private sector to set up a fish canning factory as well," said Director, Economic Affairs of the Government Peace Secretariat, Rohantha Athukorala. Due to the 26-year conflict the North and East districts remain as the most underdeveloped regions in Sri Lanka and the Government is rightly focusing on development and bringing down the regional disparity. Read more ...