Urani Fishermen Get Back to Their Old Livelihood After 27 Years

One more initiative taken by the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ - J) for the greater benefit of the fishing community, living along Urani coastal belt, bordering the Palaly Army Cantonment, Jaffna, facilitated the fishing community in Urani, Thaiddi (East) and Nallinakkapuram to resume their livelihood on Saturday (14) after absence of nearly 27 years.

The ceremony to hand over the fisheries harbour (boat yard) back to the fisheries community took place on Saturday (14) as one more project of Reconciliation and Goodwill to coincide with the National Integration and Reconciliation week declared by His Excellency the President and Thaipongal ceremony.

The move, launched in close consultation with the Commander of the Army was implemented by Major General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-J) in coordination with District Secretary for Jaffna, Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation, Northern Naval Area Headquarters and relevant authorities as one more humanitarian project of the SFHQ - J.

This 325 meter-long fisheries harbour can anchor 100 fishing boats at one given time and lies in a 2 acre area.

Members of the fishing community overjoyed with the access made possible to their bread and butter once again, preformed Hindu religious rights and rituals before they symbolically launched some of their boats into the sea. A gathering of their spouses, family members and fishing families witnessed the resumption of their sources of income, thanks to the good officers of the SFHQ-J.

Mr. M Sivagnanasothy, Secretary, Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation, Mr Nagalingam Vethanayahan, District Secretary of Jaffna, Major General Mahesh Senanayaka, Commander, SF-J, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, Commander, Northern Naval Area, Brigadier Marvin Perera, General Officer Commanding, 51 Division, Brigadier Sisira Pilapitiya, Brigade Commander, 513 Brigade, Mr. Sri Mohan, Divisional Secretary of Tellippalai, Mr. Muralitharan, Additional Divisional Secretary (Land), Battalion Commanders, Government Officials, Senior Military Officers and invitees graced the occasion.