Mirissa harbour reopened in Lanka

Colombo: The newly constructed Mirissa harbour which was damaged in the 2004 tsunami will be reopened.

Fisheries Minister Felix Perera said this was the second harbour to be reconstructed under the USAID funded project amounting to Rs. 480 million.
The Ministry said performance capability of the reconstructed harbour would be increased and a marked improvement seen in the capacity of the harbour basin and fuel efficiency with the use of the travel lift.

“The tsunami destroyed 85% of the country’s fisheries industry and ten of the twelve main harbours placing the industry in grave danger,” Minister Perera said adding that with the aid provided by the United States Sri Lanka was able to revive the industry.

The next harbour to be reopened is the one at Kudawella Harbour on August 8.
In June the Hikkaduwa Harbour and Arugam Bay Bridge were reopened.

“The US government plans to complete all its tsunami aid projects including a water plant in Potuvil,” USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn said.

The Mirissa Harbour is bound to benefit 7,500 fisher folk living in the area. It includes a hundred metre jetty at the main breakwater and a seventy metre jetty at the second breakwater. The harbour also includes improved facilities for damaged boat removal and drainage as well as a newly built auction hall.