The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I am pleased to join today’s debate.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources, due to the unlawful incursions of Indian trawlers, the fishermen in the North and East cannot carry out their livelihood. Their trade is devastated and their very existence is at stake. Indian bottom trawling—among the most destructive fishing methods—functions like hoovers and bulldozers on the seabed, destroying fish stocks, demersal species, reefs, corals and plankton, and degrading marine habitats. If it continues, soon there will be no fish to catch. Although accidental boundary crossings occur, the vast majority are deliberate deep incursions into Sri Lankan waters because they find better fishing grounds here, particularly for shrimp.

¶ 03 Every day, more than 500 trawlers operate inside Sri Lankan waters, especially in the North, with some going East. Marine conservationists and international scientists call for a total ban on bottom trawling due to its blind destruction. On scientific advice, Sri Lanka banned bottom trawling in our waters. In the five Northern districts—Mullaitivu, Mannar, Kilinochchi, and Jaffna—and in parts of the East, most people rely entirely on fishing. Why does a gang of illegal fishers, operating like pirates in a prohibited fishery, continue without being brought before the law? Do not neglect our fishing communities or starve their families—let our fishermen live.

¶ 04 Punish the Sri Lankans engaged in illegal methods who destroy our fishing communities, and also punish the foreign lawbreakers who cross our borders and plunder our resources. If the Navy, Police, and Fisheries officials properly perform their duties and fisheries laws are strictly enforced, these issues can be resolved. You, Hon. Minister, understand these matters and the sufferings of fishermen. We know you strive to end illegal fishing, but even the Indian Navy and their Government allow these trawlers to cross. They must prevent their boats from crossing their maritime boundary. Likewise, what is our Navy doing? Rohingya refugees reached Mullivaikkal seas—how did the Navy not detect them? Protecting our maritime boundary is their responsibility.

¶ 05 Intervene firmly. Save our fishermen. We will support you. Otherwise, people in Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Kilinochchi will be forced to the streets, cooking by the roadside to survive. Do not let it come to that. Thank you.