The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Thank you, Madam Deputy Chairperson. I will conclude.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I wish to raise several issues affecting the fisheries sector. First, transport allowances for fisheries officers are inadequate. They receive Rs. 1,500 for two days of field travel, but in areas like Trincomalee they must cover a wide span from Kokkilai to Verugal. This allowance is insufficient even for travel. I request the Minister to increase the transport allowance.

¶ 03 There is also a severe shortage of fisheries officers nationwide. The last cadre creation for fisheries officers was around 2015, and recruitment has since been halted. Though recruitment was called last year, we are informed there were insufficient applications and the process was cancelled. I urge the Hon. Minister to take action to ensure fairness to those applicants and to proceed with recruitment.

¶ 04 In Trincomalee District—Verugal, Muttur, Kinniya, Trincomalee, Jamaliya, Iqbal Nagar, Nilaveli, Kuchchaveli, Pudawaikattu, and Pulmoddai—large numbers of fishing families reside and face numerous problems. I cannot cover all of them in 10–12 minutes. Therefore, I request the Hon. Minister to visit our district with the Secretary of the Ministry and officials from institutions such as NAITA, meet fishermen’s association leaders, and listen directly to their distinct local issues—which are different from other districts—and provide solutions. A significant section of this community supported the present Government expecting justice. Please hear their grievances and deliver solutions. Thank you.