Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandraseker, has taken decisive steps to appoint a special committee focused on preventing and minimising accidents involving fishing vessels at sea.

Following this directive, the Minister has formally instructed the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department Director General Susantha Kahawatta to establish the committee and prepare comprehensive recommendations to enhance maritime safety.

This move comes in response to a series of tragic incidents that occurred on June 28, when several fishing boats departing from the Dondara, Beruwala and Tangalle harbours met with accidents at sea, resulting in the loss of several fishermen’s lives. In addition to investigating these incidents, the committee will focus on raising awareness within the fishing community to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Director General Susantha Kahawatta stated that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that all necessary efforts are underway to locate the missing fishermen and to provide relief and support to the affected families.

He further emphasised the Ministry’s continued commitment to the safety and welfare of the fishing community and assured that proactive measures will be introduced to reduce the risk of such incidents going forward.

(dailynews.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)