Minister Devananda sets up coast protection vigilant committees

By Nelson S. Edirisinghe , Media Secretary of the EPDP

Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, has forwarded a proposal for establishment of Coast Protection Vigilant Committees for the benefit of the Fisher-folk in Jaffna. At the discussion he had with the representatives from Fishermen Societies, the Hon. Minister tabled this proposal to rid of the current problems faced by the fishermen in Jaffna district.

The Minister explaining the structure as well as the objectives of the Coast Protection Vigilant Committees indicated the following benefits that could be derived by the fishermen.

· To establish a friendly rapport with the security forces to circumvent the day to day problems faced by the fishermen in their livelihood.
· To create an environment for undertaking deep fishing with confidence.
· To obtain full compensation cover for loses incurred by the fishermen.
· To obtain loan facilities for development of their livelihood.
· For establishment of an educational system for further training in sea fairing.
· For import of equipment for fishing.
· Modernization of their fishing carrier.
· To resort to actions for development and progress of the society.

The Minister declared that an opportunity had arisen for the fisher-folk for establishment of a body that could cater to their requirements.

The representatives from the Fishermen Societies whilst agreeing with the Minister stated that through the establishment of Coast Protection Vigilant Committees, most of their problems could be conveniently solved and at the same time pave way for resurgence of a new socio economic order.