Cyclone damages 17 boats

The JVP yesterday informed parliament that over 17 boats have been destroyed or damaged by the recent cyclone which hit the Western and South Western Seas of Sri Lanka and called on the government to pay compensation to the families of fishermen.

JVP MP Premasiri Manage who moved an adjournment motion in the House yesterday said the families of fishermen who got caught to the cyclone had become helpless without their breadwinners.

He said these people are in a difficult situation as they cannot engage in another industry such as farming as they live in coastal areas.

The JVP MP charged that the fishermen were not informed of the impending weather conditions before hand. "If there was such a process this disaster could have been averted," he said.

He said it was sad to see Fisheries Minister absent when he moved this motion.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Neomal Perera said the Minister was absent as he was attending the opening ceremony of Puranawella Fishing Harbour.

Mr. Manage who shot back and said the Puranawella Fishing Harbour already exists and there was nothing to open.

The Minister who responded said it had been renovated with the assistance provided by US Aid.

Minister Perera said arrangements were being made to provide assistance to those who had been affected by the cyclone.

With regard to Mr. Manage’s charge about the failure of the government to warn the fishermen about the cyclone he said all boats which were engaged in long term fishing in the sea were informed as they were the only ones fitted with satellite radio systems to receive messages.

The Minister explained that single day fishing craft could not be informed as they were not fitted with such radio systems.

He said it was regrettable to note the JVP criticising the government in all instances without appreciating what the government had done to develop the fisheries industry.