News
Fishermen in a mess
The fishing season is on, but despite the delight at the size of their catch, fishermen are today lamenting their inability to sell the fish harvested. The Chilaw fish market is presently flooded with fresh fish and fishmongers desperately trying to sell their ware at rock bottom prices.
A kilo of small fish like ribbon fish (salaya) is sold at Rs.60 – Rs. 100, while Indian mackerel(kumbalawa) and flying fish (piyamessa)are sold at Rs. 120 to Rs. 150 per kg. Tuna -skipjack (balaya) and yellow fin tuna (kelawalla) are sold at Rs. 150-Rs. 170 a kg. Meanwhile, paraw fetches a mere Rs. 200 to Rs. 250 per kg.
“The Fisheries Corporation does not purchase fish from us; this has forced us to sell our catch to private businessman at extremely low prices,” complained A. Sunil Silva, a fisherman. W. Sebastian Fernando, another fisherman added that the lack of freezers at the Chilaw fisheries harbour had added to their difficulties with no way of keeping the fish from spoiling.
 Large crowds mill at the selling point by the harbour looking for a bargain as fishermen are caught without freezing facilities or backing from the Fisheries Corporation to purchase the catch. |
 With large quantities of fish on offer, fishermen are at the mercy of private businessmen |
 There's fish aplenty and prices are low. |
 Skipjack going at Rs 150 per |
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