The Hon. Dilip Wedaarachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, two regulations—under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme Act and under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act—are before us. I wish to offer a few remarks.

¶ 02 The Minister spoke on mud-crabs. That industry generates significant foreign exchange. As stated, not only crabs but all export fish—prawns, cuttlefish, tuna, and others—must be managed under EU rules and recommendations. During the Rajapaksa Government, the EU banned our fish exports. Under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s good governance administration, we appointed a special team, engaged with the EU, and after months the ban was lifted and GSP concessions restored, enabling us to resume exports. Therefore, I request the Minister to implement the necessary regulations properly, because these are dollar-earning industries. The President has said we can uplift the country through the ocean; these industries contribute to that. “Sri Lankan crabs” are globally renowned. We agree to all the regulations presented.

¶ 03 On fishers’ pensions: past Governments, including ours, implemented pension payments. Under your new scheme, a fisherman aged 18 pays Rs. 600 per quarter; at 60, he receives Rs. 5,000 per month. Previously, with Rs. 658 per quarter from age 18 for 60 years, a minimum of about Rs. 4,167 per month was paid. But here the burden is on the fisher; there is no Government contribution. To obtain Rs. 20,000 per month at 60, someone aged 40 or 50 would need to pay very large sums—hundreds of thousands—which is unrealistic. I urge introducing a relief mechanism and a Government co-contribution. If State employees get pensions, fishers—who supply the nation’s protein and earn foreign exchange—should also get some State support. I propose even diverting MPs’ pensions, including mine, to support fishers’ pensions. Please implement a contributory support from the State.

¶ 04 Another issue: a Sri Lankan multiday vessel allegedly crossed into Seychelles’ waters and was seized and burned. No country should burn a vessel for boundary crossing; penalties or court action are proper. Sometimes boats drift due to damage; sometimes they poach and should be fined—but not burned. This must be taken up diplomatically and at the global fisheries forums to frame norms. Seychelles’ fishery is very new; their officials studied our ports to start their industry. Maintain ties and resolve such issues. Also, repair our communication: of 22 harbours, radio stations at eight, including Tangalle and Ambalangoda, have been down for a year or more. Fishermen rely on them to contact shore; please fix them. The mobile slipway in the South has been down for a year. Lifting a boat now costs Rs. 33,000; in other places, private lifts cost over Rs. 100,000. These are not “concessions” to fishers. Please act.

¶ 05 (Portions of unparliamentary expressions were ordered to be expunged by the Chair.)

¶ 06 Finally, I urge the President and Members to heed wise counsel and pursue true development. You will not govern forever; in the future, a clean administration under Sajith Premadasa and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will lead this country.