The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar - Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees. Today’s important debate is about measures our Government is taking to rescue the country from the current crisis and provide relief to the people. When we took office in 2024, some in the Opposition speak as if the country was flowing with milk and honey. In reality, on 12 April 2022 Sri Lanka officially declared a temporary default. In the one year and five months since we assumed office, our main challenge was to restore macroeconomic stability. We have brought the economy to a more stable footing—perhaps not satisfying everyone, but notably improved.

¶ 02 That stability enabled us to face the Middle East war shock. Earlier too there were crises; we moved to eliminate ad hocism, corruption and fraud. Then “Didwa” struck, paralysing the country. Regardless of party, ethnicity, or religion, our duty was to rebuild. Sadly, the Opposition sought to fish in troubled waters for power rather than guide the nation.

¶ 03 During “Didwa,” many fishers and inland aquaculture farmers were affected. Through NAQDA we allocated Rs. 238.8 million for boats, canoes and nets, and Rs. 139.9 million to the Department for repairs—providing compensation and gear to the affected.

¶ 04 The Middle East war is not one anyone desires; we all pray for peace. But due to the actions of a few with violent minds, it continues. We must focus on how to shield our country from its effects.

¶ 05 The President announced reliefs amounting to thousands of crores of rupees. Has there been another Government that, amid such disasters, focused so much on people’s livelihoods? Our history shows rulers who looted tsunami funds and flood relief; today our Government moves toward people’s welfare—even supporting livestock.

¶ 06 On fisheries, after a decade, this year our fishers have earned significant income again. But earlier, due to high fuel costs, 50,000+ small boats and 8,000+ multi-day boats lay idle, tied up on shore. Upon taking office, the President immediately provided kerosene subsidies so boats could return to sea, leading to a fisheries revival. Today’s fuel price increase is unfortunate and not of our making. We discussed with multi-day boat associations and proposed subsidies—25 litres per day for 25 days per month, for three months, for small boats, and Rs. 150,000 per trip for multi-day boats. If these are insufficient for viable operations, we are ready to re-engage and adjust.

¶ 07 This motion is important. Thank you for the opportunity.