Mullaitivu fisheries sector struggles for survival

[TamilNet, Friday, 20 February 2004, 15:39 GMT]
Since the signing of ceasefire agreement by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam fisheries sector in the Mullaitivu district has received no financial or any other assistance to restore the fisheries industry or to improve the living conditions of the fisher families, Mullaitivu fisheries sources said.

During the period of occupation by the Sri Lanka Army, about four hundred fishing crafts were destroyed and around 300 fishermen were killed and 92 were maimed.

About sixty children have lost their parents and about 120 became war widows, according to statistics provided by the authoritative sources.

The total damage to the fisheries sector in the district has been estimated around 12 million rupees, sources said.

After the ceasefire agreement came into existence, fishermen show keen interest in restore their industry. However they lament that they are unable to move forward as no financial assistance has been provided, sources said.