'Fishermen should acquire technological skills'

Traditional fishermen who are accustomed to man oeuvre speedy, mechanized fibreglass boats in deep-sea fishing expeditions, should acquire new technological skills and keep abreast with advanced methods in fishing to bring ashore abundant shoals of fish, said Wayamba Provincial Road Development, Electricity, Housing and Construction and Fisheries Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera.

He was addressing a three-day intensive training camp organized for selected fisher-youths at the Seaside Environmental Centre, Kandakuliaya, Kalpitiya last week.

He said a programme is being implemented to educate 150 selected fisher-youths in the coastal areas of Kalpitiya, Puttalam and Chilaw.

The methods they employed should be enhanced by being acquainted with novel techniques, he said.

"There is a dire need for qualified and experienced youths for overseas jobs in the fishing industry".

"The training programme will enable youths to learn to repair and overhaul engines and provide a comprehensive knowledge of novel fishing techniques.

There should be an understanding of how to take care of themselves and of saving their lives in case of a mishap or calamity in the seas", he said.