SEA PLANE LANDING BID IN NEGOMBO LAGOON IN TROUBLED WATERS

November 01, 2010: Members of the fishing community, who ply their trade in the Negombo lagoon, have strongly opposed the decision taken to land sea planes on the lagoon.

They point out that the move could pose a threat to their livelihood.

Many villagers who live in close proximity to the Negombo lagoon earn a living by engaging in fishing activities at the lagoon due to the ideal conditions prevalent at the location.

Herman Kumara, General Secretary of the World Forum of Fisher Peoples said that there 3,500 were directly dependent on the lagoon, while over 1,500 were indirectly dependent on it.

“Overall, more than 10,000 people and families depend on this lagoon,” he said.

The fishermen point out that landing sea planes on the lagoon could have an adverse impact.

“The fishermen will find it hard to engage in their trade if they land seaplanes here. Therefore, we ask them to stop this,” said one fisherman.

“As the lagoon is a valuable resource for everyone, we should protect it. That is why a majority of fishermen are against this initiative of the government,” he added.

Meanwhile, the fishermen who ply their trade at the Negombo lagoon yesterday engaged in a protest against the landing of sea planes on the lagoon.

The fishermen first went to the St. Jude's Church to attend its annual feast and later attended a special mass to safeguard the lagoon.

Fr. Lester Nonis, Director of the Negombo Catholic Fisheries Activities also expressed his views.

“The fishing community and all other individuals in the country are not against development. We will certainly assist in the development process. These individuals have requested for the Madabokka area to be protected as it is an ideal breeding ground for prawns.

“We have presented a set of alternative proposals. The fishing community urges that these proposals be looked into,” said Fr. Nonis.

Following the religious observances in the church, the fishermen boarded their boats and engaged in a protest.

When inquired on the issue, the Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation, Dayasritha Thisera said that all parties should come together to resolve the matter.

Source: www.newsfirst.lk