Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera has ordered to cancel licences of boats which transport passengers without following proper guidelines issued by the Ministry.

Issuing a statement, the Fisheries Ministry said it was revealed that the boat which capsized last morning in Katukurunda was in no way suitable for passenger transportation. The statement said the boat was primarily meant to be used for deep sea fishing and could only carry 5 people.