The Hon. Nihal Galappaththi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has issued a series of regulations regarding the harvesting of the mud crab, a valuable resource that earns foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. We consider this very productive, with no issue in principle. In past seasons, bans were imposed on species like sea cucumber and conch; for instance, a closed season was set for sea cucumber. Ignoring that, fishers harvested even during spawning. We must prevent such unilateral over-extraction, sometimes enabled by laxity among certain district assistant directors and fisheries inspectors.

¶ 02 The new regulations on mud crab are welcome. However, success depends on continuous engagement, supervision and monitoring by the Ministry, NAQDA and NARA. Only with sustained support from officials will we achieve the desired outcomes.

¶ 03 I also draw attention to, for the first time in history, measures to grant relief to the hundreds of thousands engaged in marine, inland and brackish water fisheries. While about 250,000–300,000 are directly engaged, over 1.5 million depend on the sector. Previous pension benefit schemes did not provide comprehensive coverage and failed to strengthen fishers and their families. Therefore, the Ministry, NARA, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board have together introduced a very beneficial pension scheme.

¶ 04 This scheme benefits all fishers directly engaged in marine, inland and brackish water fisheries and allied activities, respecting their dignity and ensuring security—an unprecedented step.

¶ 05 Pension benefits increase with age. Contributions can range broadly—from as low as Rs. 40 up to Rs. 25,000—allowing participation according to capacity for those aged 18 to 55. Upon reaching the eligible age, participants can enjoy benefits leading to a successful life. No such advantageous pension scheme has existed before.

¶ 06 Moreover, multi-day vessel crews have had only minimal insurance (about Rs. 100,000 on death). Now, in addition to insurance, they can enroll in this pension scheme according to income and capacity, securing substantial benefits. Spousal lifetime benefits are also envisaged; unlike earlier insurance that paid only up to 80 years, under this pension the beneficiary can receive for life, and after death, the spouse continues to receive the benefit. Life insurance top-ups are possible; contribution tiers from Rs. 1,000 up to Rs. 25,000 enable larger benefits. Anyone employed in fisheries or aquaculture can join. Unlike previous schemes with limited access, this encompasses marine, inland and brackish water sectors.

¶ 07 There are multiple contribution plans: one can contribute Rs. 40; or Rs. 1,000; Rs. 5,000; Rs. 10,000; Rs. 15,000; or Rs. 25,000—allowing the same fisher to opt into levels matching their ability to gain benefits.