SubPage Banner

News Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SOS Malta delivers first boat to Denuwela fishermen.

Posted Date: 09/02/2005

Over 75% of fisher-folk have been affected by Tsunami

Sri Lankan fisheries industry which contributes nearly 2.5% to the country's national income and 65% - 70% of the annual protein intake of the population has suffered a severe damage after the tsunami.  The industry consists of about 30,000 fishing vessels of which 15,000 are non-mechanized boats. More than 75% of the fishing fleet had been damaged by the Tsunami tidal waves on 26th December 2004. This will reduce the fish production during 2005.

Out of nearly 172,000 active fishermen, 80% had been affected and many thousands of their family members are missing or dead. This will make a strong impact on the next generation of fishermen.

Other than active fishermen there are about 100,000 persons affected who are employed in the industry. The fisheries industry produce 300,000 tons of fish annually including production from inland fisheries. The fishermen have not only lost loved ones and property but have had their livelihoods destroyed as well. Many are now without the means to continue their way of life.

How do we respond when hearing these words of fisherman from disaster areas:



"We want to get back to fishing and make our living",

"We don't want any relief materials except boats and nets to get back to the sea".
“The ocean took everything away from us – we now want the ocean to give something back to us!”



SOS Malta has already placed orders for 5 canoes and 30 fibreglass boats each 6 metres long equipped with engines and fishing nets for the villages of Denuwela in the Matara district and Kalamulla in Kalutara district.  The first boat named ‘SOS Malta’ was delivered to the fishermen on Tuesday 2 February – in six week time the full order will be ready for delivery.

These boats are extremely important for the fishermen and their families, so they can make a living for themselves again.  Currently, many families are living in refugee camps or with relatives. The boats give them prospects again, so that they can start a new life in their villages.


 
 

More

Quick Search