Fisheries and Aquatic Resources State Minister Dilip Vedaarachchi yesterday said that he would take measures to grant compensation to fishermen whose boats were burnt in the sudden fire at the Kalametiya Fishery Harbour in Hungama last week.
He made this observation while addressing a meeting at the Kalametiya Fishery Harbour after inspecting the fishing crafts that were reduced to ashes in the sudden fire last week. He added that the loss has been estimated as at Rs. 20 million.
He said that he would forward a Cabinet paper when Parliament meets on Tuesday (9) and obtain the approval for it. He said that 20 fishing crafts were fully damaged along with fishing nets and other appliances while another six fishing crafts were partially damaged in the fire.
The State Minister instructed the officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board to restore the electricity supply of the Kalametiya Fishery Harbour and ordered police to continue further investigations. He said that hundreds of minor employees affiliated with the fishing crafts have been left high and dry as a result of this destruction.
He said that he would request the Hambantota Branch of the Disaster Management Centre to provide them with necessary relief.
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry Director Nihal Palitha and District Director L.T.G. Palitha were present on the occasion.
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