The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to join the Committee Stage debate on the budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Digital Economy.

¶ 02 The most significant challenge for our fishers is climate change. The Ampara District in the Eastern Province, which I represent, is currently affected by the Northeast monsoon. Similar impacts occurred last year as well. On such a day in Karaitivu–Mavadippalli, six madrasa students returning home from Nintavur and three residents were swept away by floodwaters and died. I pray for their souls and extend my condolences to their families.

¶ 03 Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone spans about 517,000 square kilometres, with 4,890 square kilometres of inland waters. About 12.3 percent of the population depends on these resources, providing essential protein to the nation. We are working to reduce post-harvest losses through appropriate technologies, to ensure safe handling, storage, and fair prices for consumers. The previous Government provided no meaningful support to these fishers. The current Government, however, has extended various forms of assistance.

¶ 04 Accordingly, nearly Rs. 350 million has been allocated in the 2026 Budget for the development of the Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour. For nearly 35 years, that harbour was neglected by past rulers and local politicians aligned with them. Today, some Opposition Members from the area try to claim ownership for this Rs. 350 million allocation, though they once spoke against the President on public platforms. One must question whether they seek political gain.

¶ 05 Our North and East receive heavy rains and winds from October to January. Paddy lands, especially in Ampara, have been affected. Areas such as Neelavanai, Maruthamunai, Pandiruppu, Kalmunai, Sainthamaruthu, Karaitivu, Nintavur, Palamunai, Oluvil, Akkaraipattu, Addalaichenai, Thirukkovil, Thambiluvil, Pottuvil, Thambattai, Sagamam, and Sammanthurai are facing losses. The tsunami housing scheme (EHED) at Sainthamaruthu is submerged; people were evacuated and resettled elsewhere. Similar evacuations are reported in Akkaraipattu. The District Secretary informed me this morning that many have left for safer locations. Facilities must be provided to them. Many of our people are farmers and fishers. The District Secretariat and social organizations are distributing dry rations.

¶ 06 In the Eastern waters, the biggest past issue was fish piracy. In 2012, deep-sea fishers in the East were robbed. Politicians then ignored it. After we came to office, we engaged the Fisheries Minister and the Tri-Forces and have completely halted fish piracy. I thank the Defence State Minister, the Fisheries Minister, and the Tri-Forces. Our fishers too thank the Government.

¶ 07 Our Oluvil harbour is much loved by fishers. Over 500 multi-day boats in Ampara rely on it. But due to poor planning in the past, the harbour is presently closed. Our Government is in high-level discussions with the President and relevant Ministers to allocate funds and restore it to fishers’ use.

¶ 08 Because seas are rough in November–December, deep-sea fishers must take their outrigger canoes and multi-day vessels to safer harbours such as Valaichchenai. They suffer losses. The Ampara–Kalmunai area urgently needs a functional radio communication system. The old system broke down and was reportedly refitted elsewhere. We are in discussion to bring back radio systems to the district.

¶ 09 The Ministry is introducing digital technologies to fisheries: aquaculture of shrimp, sea cucumber, seaweed, ornamental fish and plants, and floating-cage systems. We are ready to allocate funds for such future initiatives.

¶ 10 Past governments pursued brackish-water aquaculture, but production did not materialize due to lack of follow-through. We, however, plan to harness inland water resources to boost freshwater fish production for the nation. Thank you.