The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, after many years, we welcome the Regulations presented by the Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources regarding a pension and social protection scheme for fisheries workers. It is commendable that the contribution bands by age, and the benefits for disability and death, are clearly defined under the Social Security Contribution Scheme Act. However, further changes would improve the livelihoods and retirement of fishers.

¶ 02 - Replace rigid instalment payments with a seasonally aligned, flexible payment method. - Ensure the Government’s co-responsibility in the scheme. - Index pension and compensation amounts to inflation and cost of living. - Update compensation so it is time-appropriate. - Prevent families being penalized for incidents where alcohol is cited, as this can be misused by officials. - Review and close gaps in the Regulations.

¶ 03 Seasonally aligned instalments are essential. Beyond natural disasters, unregulated illegal fishing methods, trawling incursions, and fuel costs often force fishers to return without a catch; nets of value are lost; some months the industry yields no income. Imposing rigid instalments alone is harsh. Countries like India and Brazil use flexible, seasonally aligned models that would suit Sri Lankan fishers. Next, shared responsibility: in Seychelles and parts of Europe, pension schemes for fishers are co-funded with shared liability by governments. Even partial state assumption of contributions would strengthen fisher livelihoods.

¶ 04 Consider adequacy over time. A person aged 45 today receiving Rs. 1,000 per month in 15 years might not afford even a meal. An 18-year-old receiving Rs. 1,000 in 42 years would in real terms receive barely the equivalent of about Rs. 130 today—hardly enough for a cup of milk tea. Therefore, pensions and benefits should be periodically updated with inflation and living costs. If a 46-year-old fisher dies at sea, what relief does Rs. 6,000 provide to the family? Is that amount time-appropriate?

¶ 05 The rule denying compensation if the victim had consumed alcohol is prone to misuse by authorities, especially in districts like Mullaitivu and Mannar where health facilities are weak and island conditions compound issues. Why should a family be denied state relief on account of a personal habit?

¶ 06 What solutions are provided in the 2025 Regulations if a fisher loses fingers, suffers palm and nerve damage, or goes missing? Hands are the very basis of a fisher’s livelihood. If a fisher loses hearing at sea, or balance, or the stability to stand, the 2025 Regulations do not define him as a person with disability. Is this fair? These conditions do affect a fisher’s capacity to work. Many jurisdictions and ILO Convention C188 on Work in Fishing focus on loss of fitness to work and loss of livelihood, not a narrow list of anatomical losses.

¶ 07 Please allow me one more minute. What of slipped spinal discs, chronic back pain, arthritis, lung disease, tuberculosis, illness from fuel fumes, limb cramps, partial paralysis with stroke, balance disorders, mental health impacts, and occupational diseases? The 2025 Regulations should expand the definition of disability and specify solutions for these conditions. I request the Hon. Minister to consider these matters.