The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I move the following Adjournment Motion:

¶ 02 “Unlawful activities in the fisheries sector are severely affecting genuine fishermen and fishing families. Therefore, the Government must immediately stop the banned illegal practices and assist people’s livelihoods.

¶ 03 The Northern Province—Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Jaffna—comprises districts where fishermen benefit from the sea. There is an increase in illegal practices there, and those responsible for preventing them are not doing so. If the Navy, Police, and Department of Fisheries enforce law and order properly, the livelihoods of the majority of fishermen will improve. But that is not happening. Previous governments failed to act and supported such illegal activities; we hope this Government will not act likewise. Therefore, take proper action, provide solutions, and improve the livelihoods of Northern fishermen.”

¶ 04 Hon. Presiding Member, I believe the Northern Sea is under the control of illegal operators—surukku (trawl) nets, light fishing, dynamite fishing; the sea is full of such practices. The rule of law on the Northern Sea is not yours, Hon. Minister; illegal operators rule there.

¶ 05 In Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Jaffna, many fishermen and thousands of fishing families, including over 10,500 female-headed households, depend on this sector. Earlier these illegal practices were absent; the fishing community thrived. Because former rulers failed to control, it has spread and turned the sea into a den of illegal operators. The Department, Navy and Coast Guard appear helpless. Occasionally they arrest a few, but law and order is not maintained. Many fishermen now consider abandoning the trade. A large share of the coastline lies in the North and East; the Government has a duty to protect it. If you fail, fish stocks will decline, species destroyed, and the Northern Sea—our fish bank—could be depleted.

¶ 06 Will you stop these illegal practices or not? Will you protect law and order? I urge clear answers. The Hon. Minister for Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources appears to be acting to control it, but illegal dominance has grown. Repeatedly I urge: law and order must be maintained. Our fishermen will stand with you if you act; you know this well. Please take necessary action and let our fishing community live.