Puttalam fishermen hoist black flags over fuel hike

Fishermen in the Puttalam district yesterday (14) hoisted black flags and refrained from venturing out to sea in protest against the Government's decision to raise fuel prices. 

Work at the Puttlam and Kalpitiya fisheries harbours ground to a complete halt as fishermen opted to stay home in protest at the Government's decision. Many small fishing boats as well as larger multi-day fishing trawlers were seen at anchor, while fish markets too were shut. 

Fisheries associations say that, though the Government has said it would continue to provide the fuel subsidy for fishermen, the prevailing situation has made it difficult to continue even with the subsidy. 

Meanwhile, fisheries associations say they are planning to launch massive island-wide protests in the coming days demanding that the Government lowers fuel prices. 

Text and Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe in Puttalam

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