The increase in fuel prices has forced some fishermen on the north western coast to revert back to traditional fishing crafts.
Fisherman W. Sebastian Fernando, 45, said some of the fishermen who owned motor boats have been forced to give up due to the fuel crisis.
Despite the difficulties faced using traditional methods, such as using oars to row their boats, the fishermen opt to make use of them in order to maintain their livelihood, as the use of engine boats is not competitive or profitable.
They complain that nothing more than Rs.800 or more can be earned due to the prevailing circumstances.
Traditional methods like fishing via theppan is seen these days in this region and fishermen some do not even go out to sea to fish but prefer to fish in the lagoons.
In their homes, the women folk sometimes have to pawn their jewellery to keep home fires burning as men are out of billet these days.
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