Moothoor fishermen protest against fishing ban

[TamilNet, Monday, 26 May 2008, 15:57 GMT]
Fishermen of Moothoor town and its suburbs Monday held a demonstration in front of the office of the Moothoor Divisional Secretariat against the restriction imposed on fishing in south of Trincomalee harbor. The protesters handed over a memorandum to the Divisional Secretary to take immediate steps to lift the restriction, Moothoor sources said.

Fisheries co-operative society sources in Moothoor said fishermen were allowed to do fishing only for two days (May 20, 21) since the Eastern Provincial Council polls held on May 10. Thereafter they have not been allowed to go for fishing.

Media reports quoting Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) spokesman Commander D.K.P.Dassanayake said fishing has not been allowed as the SLN has been evaluating the security of the Trincomalee Harbour following the sinking of a naval vessel anchored at Ashraff Jetty on May 10th.