State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and Rural Economy Dilip Wedaarachchi handed over compensation to the dependents of fishermen who died while engaged in fishing. This compensation was given at the National Aquaculture Development Authority at Pelawatta, Battaramulla yesterday (23). This compensation was granted under the program to empower the livelihood of dependents of fishermen who were killed due to a variety of causes and natural disasters while engaged in the fisheries industry. Dependents of both marine and freshwater fishermen were compensated under the program. The program is implemented under the National Fishermen’s Federation Disaster Relief Fund and the Government Compensation Program. Seen here is Mrs. K. A. Nadeesha receiving a check for Rs. 1 million from Minister Dilip Wedaarachchi as compensation for the death of her husband, a member of the Girithale Fishermen’s Society, who was hit by lightning while engaged in fishing. In addition several dependent families received checks for compensation from the Minister yesterday.