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

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I thank Hon. Adaikkalanathan for raising this important matter. You referred to kerosene subsidies. These had been stopped earlier; after we assumed office, especially after His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake became President, we swiftly initiated steps to provide them.

¶ 02 In the local fishery, about 5,750 boats use diesel and 27,530 use kerosene. Around 17,000 very small craft (including traditional non-motorized boats) use no fuel. Over 200,000 people directly engage in the sector.

¶ 03 In line with the Government’s policy declaration “Prosperous nation – dignified life,” the present Government has paid strong attention to the issues of fishing communities and is taking appropriate actions.

¶ 04 When we came to office, many fishermen were badly affected by high fuel prices: diesel was Rs. 307/litre and kerosene Rs. 202/litre. Now diesel is Rs. 277 and kerosene Rs. 180 per litre. Monthly fuel prices continue to be adjusted, with fluctuations; kerosene has been gradually reduced where possible, in line with world prices.

¶ 05 As pledged in the policy statement, after the Presidential Election we immediately implemented a fuel subsidy. Under this: - Multi-day diesel boats received up to Rs. 300,000 per month for 6 months - Boats using kerosene received Rs. 9,375 per month for 6 months Over Rs. 2 billion in fuel subsidies were provided to engine-powered fishing boats to revive the industry.

¶ 06 Under the IMF’s cost-reflective pricing framework, the Ministry of Power and Energy sets fuel prices monthly. A discussion on the need for kerosene subsidies, led by the Hon. Minister of Power and Energy, is scheduled in Parliament on 2025-10-09. I kindly invite all to participate and share views.

¶ 07 Regarding the North and East, much has been and will be done. You know well the challenges: historically, in the North there was not even a proper fishery harbour, and there were issues with breakwaters. Even existing harbours had many deficiencies. We are addressing these.

¶ 08 We are taking steps to distribute 75,000 fishing nets received from the Chinese Government — previously not provided to fishing communities — to fishermen in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. We also received 500 container homes from China as a gift; we have initiated measures to install them, delegating works to the Armed Forces.

¶ 09 Preparatory work has begun to upgrade the Point Pedro (Paruthithurai) fishery harbour. Recently, Indian investors visited regarding its development; discussions were held with the Indian High Commission and officials, with assurances of expeditious action.

¶ 10 At Myliddy, the Phase II development works have been completed, and we have commenced Phase III to provide safe anchorage, auction halls, net repair sheds, public halls, telecom rooms, and to build a Coast Guard office and accommodation, a security office, and an administrative building, as well as staff quarters.

¶ 11 The Karainagar sea-noor (boatyard/repair) facility has been restarted. In the East, there is a severe shortage of officials; we discussed and resolved to proceed, and Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission approval has been obtained. Recruitment interviews have begun to address the shortage.

¶ 12 We will continue to implement these measures to support fishermen in the North and East.