MV X-PRESS PEARL: Fisheries committee to convene today (16)

COLOMBO (News 1st): The committee appointed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, to assess and report on the damage caused to the fishing industry as a result of the MV X-PRESS PEARL disaster will convene on Wednesday (Jun. 16) for the second time of discussions. The meeting will be held at the Ministry of Fisheries under the patronage of the Subject Minister. During today's (Jun. 16) meeting discussions will also be held on the relief that will be provided to the fishermen in the future, Nelson Edirisinghe, the Media Secretary of the Fisheries Ministry said. The fishing activities in the seas off Wadduwa to Negombo have been suspended following the MV X-PRESS PEARL disaster. However, fishermen in Negombo were permitted to engage in fishing activities within the Negombo Lagoon area, the Ministry of Fisheries noted. The provision of compensation to fishermen affected by the MV X-PRESS PEARL commenced on Tuesday (Jun. 15). Accordingly, the Rs. 5,000 allowance was provided to around 500 fishing families in the Palangathuraya village in Negombo and the same allowance was provided to 176 fishing families in the Palliyawatta area in Hendala, Wattala. However, fishermen in the Dehiwala area charged that they are yet to receive any form of relief.