Seven fishing boats that had been withdrawn from service were completely destroyed in a fire that broke out at a boat maintenance yard within the Galle Fisheries Harbour premises around midday today (8).
Galle Harbour Police have launched an investigation into the incident. However, the cause of the fire has yet to be established.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Galle Division, H.G.A. Pushpakumara confirmed that no injuries or casualties had been reported as a result of the incident.
He further stated that the authorities would summon the owners of the fishing vessels that had been left unused within the harbour premises to ascertain the reasons for their continued presence at the site. A comprehensive report on the matter will subsequently be submitted to the Inspector General of Police.
Following the outbreak of the fire, officers attached to the Galle Harbour Police, personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy's Southern Naval Base, and members of the local fishing community took prompt action and made concerted efforts to bring the situation under control and prevent the fire from spreading.
