The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, I answer:

¶ 02 (a)(i) There are 24 harbours.

¶ 03 (a)(ii) Development works (selected items and proposed allocations): - Civil and mechanical works such as provision, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fuel distribution systems (including 90/110 litre per minute pumps), piping, bunds, and related infrastructure; proposed allocation: Rs. 150,349,400. - Repairs/maintenance of boundary walls and fuel distribution units at all harbours; proposed allocation: Rs. 357,594,250. - Scientific surveys and procurement/maintenance of mooring gear including chains, ropes, D-shackles, bolts, tyres and other anchoring accessories at all harbours. - Preparation of yards and workspaces at all harbours; procurement of small-scale tools and equipment. - Repair and servicing of buildings; procurement of LED flash lights and cobra lamps; panel upgrades. - Procurement, repair and maintenance of submersible sanitary pumps (PTO). - Procurement, repair and maintenance of regional beacon lamps. - Scheduled repairs of all vehicles.

¶ 04 (a)(iii) Multi-day fishing vessels: - Engaged in fishing: 5,488 - Not engaged in fishing: 182

¶ 05 (a)(iv) One-day fishing vessels: - Total currently: 929 - Not engaged in fishing: 24

¶ 06 (a)(v) Ongoing measures: - Programme to restore the fishing industry (2024) to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis: Cabinet approval obtained to provide a “Fishing Industry Restoration Allowance” for approximately 60,500 diesel-using one-day (IDAY) and multi-day (IMUL) vessels, and about 32,000 kerosene-using small craft (OFRP, MTRB). - For kerosene-using small craft (OFRP, MTRB) registered under the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and actively engaged in fishing: reimbursement of Rs. 25 per litre, up to 15 litres per day, for up to 25 fishing days per month (maximum Rs. 9,375 per month). - For diesel-using one-day and multi-day vessels (IDAY/IMUL) similarly registered and active: reimbursement of Rs. 25 per litre of diesel purchased; the reimbursable fuel per trip cannot exceed the vessel’s tank capacity; monthly reimbursement capped at Rs. 300,000.

¶ 07 - 2023 China grant kerosene distribution programme for OFRP and MTRB: - Phase I: 2,131,800 litres issued to 28,423 OFRP/MTRB craft at 75 litres per craft. - Phase II: 2,192,424 litres issued to 28,108 OFRP/MTRB craft at 78 litres per craft.

¶ 08 - 2024 China grant programme to distribute 75,000 fishing nets valued at Rs. 500 million to active fishers in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Kalmunai (approximately 12,500 fishers).

¶ 09 - Artificial reef/aggregation structures project along the coastal belt to enhance marine biodiversity and nearshore fish stocks by deploying de-commissioned multi-day boats, bus shells and fishing gear as artificial substrates at selected sites (implementations in 2021–2024).

¶ 10 - Pilot projects with FAO technical support: - Fitting bulbous bows to multi-day vessels and introducing improved cold rooms and fish holds to improve fuel efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. - Deep-set gillnet methods for harvesting squids and cuttlefish.

¶ 11 - Online systems for registration, issuance of operating licences, and monitoring departures/arrivals of multi-day vessels to deliver more efficient services to the fishing community.

¶ 12 - Installation of VMS devices on multi-day vessels to track positions during cyclones/emergencies and support rescue operations.

¶ 13 - Health measures: medical examinations for all fishers through nearby Government hospitals and issuance of medical certificates; first-aid training and certification for all crew in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy Medical Corps.

¶ 14 - Export facilitation: strengthening the Quality Control Unit at Bandaranaike International Airport to improve efficiency for seafood exporters.

¶ 15 - Introduction of an enhanced retirement pension scheme for fishers, to be implemented soon with the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board.

¶ 16 (b) Does not arise.