Poaching by Indian fishermen deny livelihood to Nayaru fishermen in Mullaitivu

•  Their appeals to get water supply and electricity connection have fallen on deaf ears

By Ashanthi Warunasuriya

Fishermen say that the people living in the Nayaru village in the Mullaitivu District lament that they face hardships in carrying out fisheries activities because of encroachments by Indian fishermen.  

W. M. Anusha, a fisheries community representative from the area, said the fishermen who have lived in the area for many years have faced many problems so far, being unable to make sufficiently large catches.   

Around 200 families lived in this village in the past. There are only 50 families now since others left due to hardships. The village is also affected by the lack of basic necessities such as electricity and network facilities for a long time. They have to pay for drinking water. The village has a small well for bathing, but there is not enough water for the people there.  

Their appeals to get water supply and electricity connection have fallen on deaf ears.