The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), I direct my Question to the Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister Chandrasekar, first my greetings. As the sole Tamil Cabinet representative from the Northern Province and as the Minister in charge of Fisheries, it brings us happiness. However, despite numerous public complaints about corruption related to activities of your Ministry, no action appears to have been taken, which is of grave concern. As there are specific allegations of corruption against you, can you provide fair, evidence-based Answers in this House to the following Questions? If not, why?

¶ 03 1. Under Sri Lankan laws on aquatic resources, use of beach seine (karai valai) and purse seine (surukku valai) are punishable. Since you assumed office, it is complained that no action has been taken against these two illegal fishing methods. How many cases have been filed by your Ministry in each Northern and Eastern District regarding these illegal activities to date?

¶ 04 2. These illegal activities harm ordinary fishers. Despite complaints and documentary submissions to you, it is complained that you have not engaged with fisher organizations to implement the law. In which areas did you meet fisher organizations? What were their complaints? What actions did you take?

¶ 05 3. In granting approvals for coastal sea cucumber farms, which is under your Ministry’s responsibility, it is alleged that oversight is not properly exercised and that bribes are taken for approvals using benami names linked to you. If I table evidence in this Parliament to that effect, will you accept it and take action?

¶ 06 4. It is complained that you have temporarily transferred the Directors of Fisheries in Jaffna and Mullaitivu. Since you took office, what transfers have you made in the Northern and Eastern Provincial Fisheries Departments? Names, dates of transfers, and whether interviews were conducted, with dates?

¶ 07 5. A video has surfaced from a meeting with sea cucumber farmers in the Northern Province, where, based on your conversation, it appears one and a half acres of State land is to be held while paying for only half an acre, which amounts to corruption. I have that video on my Facebook and can table it. If this proves you engaged in corruption, will you accept responsibility and resign your ministerial post?

¶ 08 6. Regarding development projects under your Ministry at Point Pedro (Mayiliddy) and Kokkuthoduvai (Kurikattuwan) fishery harbours: what is the individual value of each project, the timeframes, and can you table the project proposals?

¶ 09 Thank you.