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Labour Minister criticizes Finance Ministry officials for neglecting fisheries sector
Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara criticized Finance Ministry officials, accusing them of acting without understanding how to protect the fishermen and the fisheries industry.
Speaking at a meeting held at his ministry on Wednesday, Minister Nanayakkara highlighted the lack of a viable program by Finance Ministry officials to safeguard fishermen and develop the country’s fisheries sector. He emphasized that these actions indicate a lack of understanding of the valuable contribution made by the fisheries sector to the country’s economy.
The meeting, part of the “Garu Saru” program initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, aimed to uphold the dignity, security, and professional status of those in the informal economic sector. Minister Nanayakkara, hailing from the Galle district, expressed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by the fisheries industry professionals.
Addressing the broader issue of social divisions, the minister stated that the ministry’s main program seeks to ensure dignity, security, and professional status for the 6 million workers in the informal sector. He invited input from fishermen to shape regulations for the industry, emphasizing the need for professional development and the creation of a social security mechanism for workers.
While acknowledging that fisheries matters fall under the Ministry of Fisheries, Minister Nanayakkara asserted that his ministry works towards safety and dignity for workers. He criticized the taxation system, pointing out that imported fish incurs lower taxes than locally produced fish. The minister concluded by highlighting the importance of safety tools and regulations for reducing accidents in the industry, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with other institutions to implement necessary safety measures.
Following the conclusion of bilateral discussions between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, official-level talks between the delegations of Sri Lanka and India commenced this morning (05) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath; Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Anil Jayantha; Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, along with other senior officials.
The Indian delegation included Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, along with several other senior officials of the Government of India.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Friday [04] night, visited the Presidential Secretariat this morning (05).
The Indian Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat.
Prime Minister Modi is currently on a state visit to Sri Lanka, reaffirming the theme “Friendship of Centuries — Commitment to a Prosperous Future” which symbolises the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and India. The Indian Premier is scheduled to remain in the country until tomorrow (06).
[PMD]
The official welcoming ceremony for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held this morning (05) at the Independence Square in Colombo.
On arrival at the Independence Square the Indian Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
Discussions between Sri Lankan and Indian delegations at the presidential secretariat
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Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrives at the presidential secretariat
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