SLA strengthens coastal sentry points with coral reef

[TamilNet, Sunday, 19 October 2003, 11:53 GMT]
Vadamarachchi Fisheries Co-operative Societies Federation Saturday accused the Sri Lanka Army for destroying coral reef in the northern coast to strengthen their security and not safeguarding coastal resources, fisheries sources said.

SLA is still refusing the fisheries societies to deepen of about twenty six fishing landings points from Kerudavil to Thumpalai east on northern coastal line but at the same time the SLA is removing coral reef from Inbaruty and Point Pedro coastal areas and strengthening their sentry points, VFCSF sources alleged.


SLA sentry constructed with coral reef in northern coast.

Fisheries sources said the removal of coral reef from the coastal areas could result in erosion of beach fronts.

VFCSF secretary Mr.P.Suriyakumaran said more fishing boats are now fishing in northern waters due to the current peace environment in the peninsula and the fisheries societies wanted to deepen the landing points in order to beach fishing crafts safely.

Later the security forces allowed deepening of landing points, which are located outside the high security zones. However the security forces have now informed the fisheries societies that they should first obtain permission from the Coastal Conservation Board.

Mr.Suriayakumaran further said instead of safeguarding the sea resources the security forces are currently engaged in removing coral reef from the shore and strengthening their coastal sentry points.

He said if the SLA failed to provide positive reply regarding deepening landing points, the fisheries societies would defy the order and would deepen the landing points in the district.

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