Oluvil Fisheries Harbour to be Closed

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said,  fishing activities at the Oluvil harbour in Ampara is to be halted as the government is unable to bear the cost of maintenance .

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Ministry officials had discussed the function of the harbour after it was revealed that it did not make sufficient funds to cover its expenses. The harbour is a white elephant that we cannot take care of it.

The ministry official said,  that proper environmental assessment and feasibility was not conducted when construction began. While the harbour was constructed to hold more than 250 fishing boats, all boats are anchored outside the harbour as it was dangerous to enter the harbour.

The Ministry has scheduled a discussion with the Ports Authority, Fisheries Harbour Corporation and Coast Conservation Department about its closure as there was no benefit in leaving the harbour open.

Minister Amaraweera is scheduled to speak to the government regarding the closure of the harbour. The harbour was also to be transferred to the Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation recently from the Ports and Shipping Ministry. However, the process was cancelled after the decision to shut down fishing activities .