The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Chairman.

¶ 02 I wish to raise several matters on fisheries. This sector can earn vital foreign exchange, yet it has been pushed into a dire state. If we empower our fishermen to engage independently, they can boost the economy.

¶ 03 The Deputy Minister outlined good proposals in this Budget, such as fuel subsidies, and there seems a willingness to address fishermen’s issues. Nevertheless, please accept constructive Opposition suggestions and avoid repeating past mistakes. Our fishermen, during the war and now, have remained severely disadvantaged. Presently, the chief problem is Indian bottom trawlers crossing our border and fishing illegally, causing huge losses—especially nets and gear—with no adequate insurance provided. Please establish mechanisms so that when nets and assets are lost due to illegal incursions, fishermen can claim insurance.

¶ 04 I propose structured dialogue: arrange meetings with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and India’s Central Government. Earlier, when the TNA met then–PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi, we proposed introducing deep-sea fishing for Tamil Nadu as a solution. Please facilitate talks—we will cooperate—so India curbs trawler crossings. Our fishermen can then devise modalities for any future visits within legal frameworks.

¶ 05 Strengthen inland fisheries in the North. Because of few brackish-water mixing zones, our fishermen depend on freshwater tanks—improve those systems. Establish a fisheries harbor complex in Mullaitivu or Mannar to increase fishermen’s incomes. The North’s coastal belt is densely populated by fishing communities; their children’s education suffers owing to low, unstable incomes. Also, beyond Indian trawlers, some Southern fishermen use illegal methods like dynamiting in the North—address this firmly. Anti-corruption: replace long-entrenched corrupt officials so Government programmes truly reach people.

¶ 06 Set up a fisheries academic facility—perhaps a campus under University of Jaffna or Vavuniya—in districts like Mullaitivu or Mannar that contribute heavily to the sector.

¶ 07 Our ordinary fishermen have lost lakhs worth of assets due to Indian trawlers and now live in extreme hardship. If you prioritize them, they can, in turn, earn foreign exchange for the country. First, stop Indian trawlers through talks with Tamil Nadu and Delhi. We will present fair demands on behalf of our fishermen and discuss alternatives.

¶ 08 Provide proper insurance coverage. Build cold rooms so fishermen can store catches overnight and sell at fair prices, and enable the Department to procure fish to supply the public at reasonable prices.

¶ 09 Improve village conditions and education in fishing communities; eliminate illegal practices. This will enhance foreign exchange earnings.

¶ 10 A final point: do not allow Sri Lanka–India friction over trawlers to be exploited by others. We cannot allow China or any other to insert itself in the North under pretexts. From Mannar to Rameswaram is only about 30 km; India seeks to establish ferry services and routes. We oppose third-country interference there. Even at our DCC meeting today, we discussed Chinese rice donations—unusable and turning to mush when cooked, fit only for poultry. Such “assistance” is of no use to people.

¶ 11 We support the Budget in the expectation that the Government will do good. Please simplify the pass system for fishermen; during war and even now, checks have delayed departures—fishermen starting at 5.00 a.m. sometimes get cleared only at 8.00 a.m. Ensure security checks without crippling livelihoods. Thank you.