ISMATHUL RAHMAN
NEGOMBO : Fishermen who lost their daily income from the ban on fishing in the west coast of Sri Lanka, said here on Saturday that the meagre Rs 5,000 given to them is not enough to meet their daily expenses.
Aruna Roshan, President of the All Ceylon United Fisheries Union and President of the Pitipana Fishermen’s Union told newsmen here that a relief of 4,000 rupees per day should be given to each fisherman who have lost their jobs.
Aruna Roshan was commenting to the media after handing over the names of fishermen who lost their fishing businesses due to the recent fire on MV X-Press Pearl to Dinesh, Assistant Director, Fisheries Office, Negombo.
Some people used to earn around Rs 100,000 a day during this harvest period when they net a huge catch. “ We cover our annual expenses by earning during this period. Fishermen have lost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 1 lakh per day.”
“ Some even go to sea. Some go in the morning and come in the evening. And some go in the evening and return home the next morning. Due to this disaster, the consumption of fish by the people has decreased.” He further explained that even if the fishermen go to sea and fish, there is a situation where they cannot be sold. It is impossible to say how long this will last, he said, demanding a sizable sum due from the fishing company as compensation
