Fishing community excluded from relief package

COLOMBO (News 1st); Fishermen allege that the fishing community was excluded from the relief package provided by the Government.

The National Organizer of the All Ceylon Fisheries Federation, Ratna Gamage stated that the fishing industry has completely collapsed, while the economy remains to be in shambles.

Speaking further, Gamage pointed out that the Government has neglected the fishing industry at a time when the industry which provided fish to the entire national economy is at a bad state and at a time when the general public of the country is requesting the cost of living to be decreased. 

Pointing out that the fishing community is not demanding the Rs. 5,000 allowance, Gamage said that the fishermen have to spend an additional Rs. 50,000 - 85,000 per month on a multi-day fishing vessel.