Representative of the visiting US Congress delegation, James
Leach said that they are keen to assist the small industries
and the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka. "The fishermen need
fishing boats and gear and houses," he said.
It is estimated that Rs. 16.5 billion would be needed to
revive the fishing industry. The tsunami has caused
extensive damage to fishing harbors, boats and boat
engines, fishing gear and allied bodies.
He identified Micro finance as a key area in the aftermath
to develop the Small and Medium industry sector including
the fisheries sector. "This is a very important area to
build Sri Lanka's economy and the nation," he said. The
12-member delegation including two Senators was also keen on
reopening the schools as education is a key area in
rebuilding the nation. "We will undertake to rebuild several
schools," the delegation said. The US Marines are also
helping in this process and most of them are stationed at
the Koggala Air force base with heavy earth moving
equipment. He said that most of the money for this would be
not profit oriented and would be channeled through the World
Bank, commercial banks and other organizations.
"We have noted through experience in similar situations that
Micro financing is the answer to this situation," he said.
