Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has called for an immediate stop to activities which would harm the fisheries resources of the Iniyagala reservoir in Ampara.

The minister made this statement following a revelation made by News1st.

 On July 2 Action TV revealed the manner in which fishing activities were causing the fish population in the Iniyagala Reservoir to dwindle. The expose revealed that these activities were being carried out by a group who have political backing.

Action TV also revealed that obstacles faced by fisheries officials when attempting to implement the law using the equipment they posses.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said;

[quote]The revelation made by Sirasa TV is correct. We have a very good set-up in place in Iniyagala. A fishermen in the area earns about 40,000 rupees a month. They use electronic scales and computers in the management of this system, However, if they build another fisheries harbour then this will cause problems. This decision has been taken at a time when I was not here however I am sure the President will understand this issue when I explain it to him. He is very knowledgeable in this field. If there is a political force behind this I will be able to speak to them as well to reach a settlement[/quote]

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