Fisheries Ministry to pay compensation to fishermen affected by the extreme weather

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera has ordered the ministry officials to promptly submit a full detailed report on the damage caused to the fisher community by the extreme weather prevailed in the country last week in order to provide necessary relief. It has been reported that the fisher community has been severely affected by the extreme weather prevailed recently in the country as a large number of fishing vessels has been damaged by the strong winds and high tides. The President has ordered the Ministry of Finance to grant a compensation of Rs 1 million to the fisher families in case of a loss of life of a fisherman while engaged in fishing. The Ministry said even though the damages on fishing vessels in many places have been reported, exact statistics in this regard is unavailable and therefore, the Secretary of the Fisheries Ministry according to the Minister's instructions has informed the Director General of the Department of Fisheries to submit a complete report after finding out the details regarding the damages. The Minister assures that considering the damages caused to the fishers in coastal areas, relief will be provided upon the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the damaged fishing vessels or houses of the fishers.