Kalpitiya harbour where centuries ago Ibn Batuta of Morocco landed, will be developed in all spheres, retaining its historic past while providing all the necessary modern amenities for the fishing community of the area.

Part of the development plan will be a new administration building, a site for construction of net mending, toilet facilities for the fishermen, water tanks, extension of the pier and access road to the harbour.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister, A. H. M. Azwer attended a discussion held at the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha office to review the progress of work undertaken by the fisheries ministry.

"Around Rs.100 million will be spent for the development of this harbour," said newly appointed Chairman of the Fisheries Harbour Corporation, A. J. M. Muzammil.

At the discussion the fishermen requested the minister and Muzammil to look into their welfare. A fleet of 2000 small fishing boats sail in the sea around Kalpitiya, providing a livelihood for over 5000 people of the area.

The fishermen told Minister Azwer that the ban imposed on the use of small nets (laila nets) was hampering the use of their traditional fishing lines. They also said that Indian fishermen who fish in the Kalpitiya sea use these nets and take away both the big and small fish. The fisherfolk asked the minister to look into this complaint.