Tsunami hit Vadamaradchchi east fishermen appeal for assistance

[TamilNet, Friday, 06 May 2005, 11:30 GMT]
Vadamaradchchi East Fishermen Co-operative Societies Union (VEFCSU) has requested the World Vision, an international non-governmental organization, to provide at least 100 catamarans and fishing nets to fisher families who are affected by tsunami. State agencies continue to neglect Vadamarachy east fishermen in providing assistance for their rehabilitation, sources said.

Mr.K.Suriyakumaran, General Manager of the VEFCSU in a memorandum to the World Vision with copies to the Jaffna Government Agent, Maruthankerni Divisional Secretary and Point Pedro Tsunami Task Force said coastal areas from Mamunai to Chundikulam in Vadamaradchchi east division have suffered immensely due to tsunami with loss of lives about 1450 persons and about 2000 sustaining injuries.

Boats, fishing gear and related equipments had been damaged in the tsunami and the fisher families have been left without any assistance to resume fishing. Several NGOs are providing assistance to other parts of the Vadamaradchchi division and not the east division. VEFCSU comprising fourteen fisheries societies, memorandum said.