The Hon. Muhammad Faizal

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamu Alaikum! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, many sectors contribute to our economic growth; fisheries is among the most important. We cannot deny its contribution. The Maldives, a small island country, has uplifted its economy largely through fisheries. As Sri Lanka is also surrounded by the sea, we should develop our fisheries sector with modern programmes, training institutes, and upgrades to improve the economy.

¶ 03 Past governments did not adequately do this, nor did they plan a proper pension scheme for fishers. Now we are correcting it. Fishers who worked hard in youth should receive proper pension benefits when they cannot work. Past governments failed to provide both programmes and guidance; our Government is now arranging this. This pension scheme will ensure social protection and a dignified life for fishers.

¶ 04 In Puttalam, fishing is undertaken in sea, rivers, lakes, and lagoons. Many derive livelihoods from methods like stake-nets and stilt fishing. Puttalam town has extensive lagoon areas. Last month’s disaster caused people there to lose canoes and nets. In Karpitiya, one side is sea and the other a lagoon; both suffered losses, but lagoon fishers lost more. In Puzhuthivayal village, very poor people fish using small canoes. A young man died while trying to save his canoe from floodwaters. He too had no arrangement to qualify for pension benefits—largely due to lack of awareness.

¶ 05 Villagers in Viruthodai and stake-net areas lost nets and canoes. We must both improve the sector and ensure pension coverage. When the Hon. Minister visited Puttalam last month, he discussed developing Karpitiya fishing harbour and providing necessary equipment. We can build landing sites for lagoon fishers. Puttalam has many lagoons, lakes, and rivers. This pension scheme targets low-income fishers. Past governments did not provide benefits properly; our Government and line ministries are ready to do so, to develop fisheries and cover all fishers under pensions. We have also arranged pensions tailored to age and circumstance for those who die young or lose limbs.

¶ 06 The Opposition says “do this, do that” after doing nothing for 76 years. In just one year we are addressing disaster relief better than before. People are now receiving compensation and support to rebuild lives and improve livelihoods. We, the governing party, went to flood-affected areas in Puttalam, waded through chest-high water, and worked to drain it, while others later claimed water had not even begun to flow. Our Government is arranging all measures to rebuild, while the Opposition keeps dreaming of taking power; that dream will continue. Insha Allah, the National People’s Power government will last for many years; it will not be easily toppled.

¶ 07 We will fully implement the Regulations under the Fisheries Workers’ Pension and Social Protection Scheme and ensure better living and protection for fishers.