The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 Today we debated two Regulations. There are 7.2 million people connected to the fisheries sector. We all know their problems well. When fishers face severe hardships, previous governments took no effective action. There was no pension scheme to ensure a peaceful, happy old age. We all agree fishers deserve a better life. Particularly in Jaffna, the fishing community has long been marginalized—socially, economically, educationally and in health. We must uplift this community. Jaffna faces unique challenges; beyond harvesting their own waters, they lack alternatives. This pension offers a path to resilience.

¶ 03 This morning, when tabling the regulations, I asked the Opposition to submit good proposals; we would incorporate them to build a better future for fishers. Except a few, most delivered unproductive speeches, hurling abuse at our MPs and especially at the Hon. Prime Minister, even stooping to denigrate women, who form 52% of our nation.

¶ 04 We must reform education. There are over 4.8 million students; our Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya leads them. The Opposition seeks to sow doubt among parents and students to undermine confidence in new reforms. If you think you can divide our MPs and Ministers, it will not happen. If you try, we will stand united as one family, protect ourselves, our members, the Hon. Prime Minister and the President, and act as a bulwark. Thank you.

¶ 05 Question put, and agreed to.

¶ 06 Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme Act: Regulations.