The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the opportunity to speak in the Committee Stage debate. I will present a few matters on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. This Ministry is extremely important as many in our country depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. The Government must address their issues.

¶ 02 In Trincomalee District, fishermen face many problems. They still use traditional methods. I request the Minister to introduce modern methods and transition them to new techniques.

¶ 03 Loan facilities for fishermen have been halted. Those using small canoes, thonies and boats cannot scale up due to the economic crisis. Provide credit so they can expand operations.

¶ 04 Also, include housing schemes and other support programmes for fishermen within the Ministry’s work; that would be of great benefit.

¶ 05 There are issues between fishermen and the Navy; please resolve them. In Pulmoddai, an area used by fishermen has been blocked by the Navy, causing difficulties; please act to restore access.

¶ 06 A major issue in our province, particularly our coastal district, is purse seine fishing. There appear to be two legal standards: in the North and East, purse seine is said to be banned and fishermen are arrested; meanwhile, in Galle, Matara and elsewhere, the same net is used. If it is banned, it must be a nationwide ban — one law here and another elsewhere is untenable. Hon. Minister, we need clarity: is purse seining banned under the 1986 regulations?