The Hon. Kanthasamy Prabu

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

¶ 02 In the 2026 Budget, funds have been allocated for the development of the Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour in Batticaloa. Some are trying to make political capital out of this allocation. Last year, during the Committee Stage on the Fisheries Ministry, I spoke on expanding the Valaichchenai boat harbour and on providing pier lamps and other facilities, and I requested solutions to problems faced by fishers. The Hon. Minister visited Batticaloa, inspected the harbour, and promised allocations in Budget 2026 to address deficiencies. Now those allocations are provided.

¶ 03 What could not be done in 76 years by alternating rulers, Ministers, and even a former Governor of the Eastern Province has been achieved by us in a short time. I thank the Hon. Minister. Our Ampara MP, Hon. Athambawa, also focused on stopping fish piracy; he led efforts and took proper action. We have halted those acts and are preparing further measures.

¶ 04 In Batticaloa, people’s livelihoods rest on fisheries and agriculture, with the harbour being central. Due to lack of space to berth small boats and multi-day vessels, funds have been allocated for expansion. People from Batticaloa and beyond use this harbour; we know space is insufficient. I now request the Minister to consider establishing another harbour where necessary. For example, people in Vakarai say there is space to establish a harbour in Palchenai. Deep-sea fishers there lead very difficult lives with very low incomes. Most are fishers; they need livelihood support and fishing gear.

¶ 05 In November and December when seas are rough, there is no space to berth their boats; they have to travel about 40 km to Valaichchenai Harbour, leading to transport difficulties and potential damage to boats. Therefore, conduct a feasibility study and establish a fishery harbour in Vakarai.

¶ 06 We also have inland fishers who face attacks by crocodiles and elephants, losing property and sometimes lives. We expect the Government to prioritize safety measures for them. In 2025, additional funds were given for inland fisheries; fishers used them well. We have natural resources and sites suitable for producing fish fingerlings. Please select a site, produce fingerlings, and supply them to our communities.

¶ 07 All sectors are being digitalized. Our Government advances a digital policy. We have introduced new apps; the Minister explained the GovPay app to pay Government fees and fines for traffic violations. Through digitalization, many tasks can be done easily.

¶ 08 Through the Ministry of Science and Technology, modernization in Batticaloa can help build the national economy. To support modernization, digital economy, and economic growth, equip our youth with technology-oriented vocational training, foster new inventors and researchers, and operationalize multi-disciplinary training centres at district level through the Secretariat. After O/L and A/L, set up Vidatha Resource Centres to help youth gain employment skills. Although such centres exist at Divisional Secretariats, they lack proper buildings; please construct them to foster new entrepreneurs and inventors.

¶ 09 Finally, I wish to recall the late Thangeswary Amma, former MP of the Tamil National Alliance, who conducted research on antiquities in Batticaloa and identified sites needing protection. Safeguarding and promoting these sites can develop tourism. Thank you.