•  Fishermen who have to abstain from fishing to be compensated 
• The Fisheries Department has ordered to suspend all fishing activities in the seas off Panadura to Negombo

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

While saying that the fishing activities in the adjoining sea areas where the X-Press Pearl vessel caught fire had been suspended since last Sunday, Kanchana Wijesekara, State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish & Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multi-day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports said there is no fear in consuming fish from the market.  

He said the decision to suspend the fishing activities was taken as per the recommendations given by the Marine Environment Protection Authority and other relevant authorities.  

“Accordingly, the Fisheries Department ordered to suspend all fishing activities in the seas off Panadura to Negombo. Therefore, we urge people not to be deceived by the reports that say it’s dangerous to consume fish,” he said.   The State Minister also said they have taken steps to suspend fishing activities in the adjoining sea areas in the coming days as well.  The Government had decided to provide financial assistance for fishermen, who have to abstain from fishing considering the situation.  “Accordingly, we are collecting details on those individuals who depend on the fishing industry in Negombo and Colombo areas and those individuals will be compensated for their loss of income due to the suspension of fishing activities,” he underlined.