The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, many Members contributed to today’s debate on Regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act. Such sentiments were voiced in past Parliaments too—“Let’s eradicate corruption, let’s arrest those who amassed assets unlawfully”—especially during election times to gain power. But those who speak here do not implement what they say. Whoever forms government, those in power must ensure proper action and punishment for corrupt persons and those who amassed unlawful wealth.

¶ 02 I wish to highlight an incident from my Trincomalee District. Yesterday there was a shooting in Kuchchaveli arising from a dispute among fishermen. A 23-year-old, Ayubkhan Ainoos of Jayah Nagar, Pallimunai area, was injured. Such news deeply concerns us. As an MP for Trincomalee, I have raised fishermen’s issues with the relevant Ministry and the Government. Fishermen who possess properly issued Department of Fisheries “surukku valai” (purse seine) permits were attacked. A condition in the permit requires operation beyond a specific nautical mile limit from shore. This condition, ill-suited to shallow coastal areas like Trincomalee, is the main cause of such incidents.

¶ 03 At a time when Muslims are preparing for Hajj and the fishermen went to sea to earn for Eid, they were subjected to gunfire—treated as if they were terrorists or drug traffickers. I urge a proper inquiry into the basis on which this shooting was carried out. Who authorized the Navy to open fire on fishermen? If there had been loss of life, who would be responsible? Fishermen already face many hardships; now their livelihood has become dangerous.

¶ 04 If a permit condition is breached, the Navy can warn or seize gear; but now, gunfire is used against fishermen. This is condemnable. It is being seen in that area through an ethnic lens. Purse seine is used in Galle, Hambantota, and Matara, but in the East or North it is restricted. If purse seine is bad, ban it islandwide. Otherwise, allowing in some districts and banning in others breeds ethnic grievance. I urge the Government to conduct a proper inquiry into the Kuchchaveli shooting and this discriminatory enforcement.

¶ 05 Thank you.