Vadamaradchchi fishermen receive boats, fishing gear

[TamilNet, Monday, 04 April 2005, 15:39 GMT]
Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), a Sri Lanka Government registered NGO working exclusively in the NorthEast, under its integrated development programme with the funding of Norwegian TRO Monday morning handed over fishing crafts with outboard engines and fishing gear including nets and other accessories to 35 beneficiaries. Each fishing boat is estimated at about Rs.400,000, sources said.

Mr.E.Suresh of TRO Media Unit presided over the event held at Maruthankerni in Vadamaradchchi east division in the Jaffna district.

Mr.P.Sriskandarajah, Director of Socio-Economic Development Bank (SEDB) and Mr.Cader, Supervisor of the Fisheries Co-operative Society lighted the common flame of sacrifice.

Mr.Thiayagaraja, President of Vadamaradchchi East Co-operative Society and Mr.Nadaraja, Grama Sevaka lighted the traditional oil lamp.

Mr.Mangales, one of the Commanders of the Sea Tigers hoisted the Thamileelam flag, sources said.

Mr.S.Thangan, LTTE deputy political head, Mr.Nilavan, Vadamaradchchi east political head of Sea Tigers and Mr.Vincent, Director of Post-Tsunami Accelerated Rehabilitation and Development of TRO spoke.

Mr.Sivagnanam, Co-ordinator of the Vadamaradchchi East Development and Rehabilitation Organization proposed vote of thanks.

Mr.Thasam of TRO in Colombo, Mr.Salim, Commander of the Jaffna District Sea Tigers, Mr.Loganathan, Director of Multi Marine Service (MMS), Second Secretary of the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo and Ms Vithiya of Norway handed over the boats, engines and fishing gear to the beneficiaries, Mr.S.Pushparajah of Kaddaikadu, Mr.Anton Manoharan Seelan of Chundikulam, Mr.E.Rasamanickam of Vathirayan, Mr.K.Thanabalasingham of Uduthurai and Mr.A. Antony Los of Chempianpattu, sources said.

Mr.Nilavan, Vadamaradchchi East Sea Tigers political head commended the role by the TRO and MMS in providing relief and rehabilitation to tsunami affected people of the area. He appealed to the TRO to provide further assistance to the affected people without delay. Twenty-five women who are engaged in the boatyard should be commended, he said.

Members of co-operative societies, officials of non-governmental organizations, LTTE cadres and members of public participated in the event.