Excavation at Negombo Lagoon suspended, Govt. to discuss with fishermen

November 18, 2010 07:27 am

Excavation at the Negombo Lagoon has been temporarily suspended and machinery removed from site, Gampaha District MP Sudarshani Fernandopulle said. This move comes at the backdrop of fishermen opposed to the seaplane project staging a protest at the excavation site demanding the project be stopped.

Yesterday Ada Derana learnt that for excavation backhoes were being used on floaters on the middle of the lagoon, and protestors had surrounded the backhoe machines in their boat. Close to 500 fishermen began a protest refusing to leave the premises.

Fernandopulle added that even the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa was unaware until now of the concerns of the people. She added that because Rajapaksa has decided to have discussion with the fisher folk temporarily machines will be removed form the site and excavation suspended.

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