The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am happy to join the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources.

¶ 03 I commend the Hon. Minister Ramalingam Chandraseker and Hon. Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage, and the Secretary and officials, for efficiently leading the Ministry and addressing fishers’ issues.

¶ 04 A previous Hon. Member claimed we did nothing for 35 years and merely came to Parliament. I wish to remind him that Valaichchenai Harbour has been developed with necessary facilities for decades; now it needs expansion. I have requested this for over a year, including during the 2025 Budget. In response, the Minister and Deputy Minister, together with the Secretary, pledged to make allocations in the 2026 Budget. Around Rs. 350 million has now been allocated for Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour expansion. I thank them on behalf of the people of Batticaloa.

¶ 05 Valaichchenai Harbour serves not only Batticaloa but fishers across Ampara, including Pottuvil. I again express gratitude on their behalf. Do not just sling mud at the Opposition; understand the historical context, raise people’s issues in time, and use this august House to solve them.

¶ 06 The Fisheries Ministry is vital. Nearly a million people are directly and indirectly linked to it. Fish exports annually bring in around Rs. 300 billion. The Ministry’s work must expand. Those engaged in small and large-scale fishing face safety and other issues: boats going missing, etc. Provide more GPS units and life jackets.

¶ 07 Inland fishers on rivers and small tanks used to receive boats and gear countrywide. Now, due to high prices and economic burdens, most cannot buy them. Please resume support for equipment. Improve fishers’ living standards—housing, drinking water, education, and healthcare. Even many multi-day boat owners are struggling. Also supply fingerlings for inland fisheries.

¶ 08 Further, for Pottuvil, I request an ice-producing factory at Oluvil for the benefit of many fishers. Also establish a fisheries anchorage and a small fishermen’s village with mooring facilities centered on Ullai and Kattukalai. In Pottuvil, Arugam Bay (Ullai), Oorani, Komari, and Panamkattukalappu, conduct surveys, gazette areas, organize needs and supply gear to uplift livelihoods. In Batticaloa, establish a jetty at Manchanthoduwai to facilitate repairing and berthing boats. In Ottamavadi Division, construct a bund across Meeravodai to organize fishing and provide facilities.

¶ 09 Finally, I sincerely thank the Ministers of Science and Technology and Digital Economy. The Digital Economy Ministry is crucial for the future. I thank the Hon. Minister for strengthening the digital ecosystem, upgrading ICT infrastructure, and promoting innovation. High-speed connectivity is a necessity; gaps remain between urban and rural areas. Please prioritize the Eastern Province, where broadband coverage and fibre connectivity are weak and access to advanced ICT facilities limited. Strengthening these will open opportunities for students and young entrepreneurs. The East can become a regional tech hub. I propose establishing a National Science and Technology Innovation Centre in Batticaloa and a state-of-the-art centre focusing on robotics, AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy to support research, attract investors, and create high-value jobs. For startups and digital entrepreneurship, set up a tech-startup incubator, train youth in coding, AI, and digital services, and expand BPO and IT service centres in Batticaloa and Ampara to create jobs, especially for women. Thank you.