News
Fisherfolk organizations raise concerns over proposed legislation threatening centuries-old rights
Fisherfolk organizations have expressed serious apprehensions regarding an impending legislation that threatens to strip away their historical rights entrenched in their trade for centuries.
Addressing a recent press conference held at the Centre for Society and Religion in Colombo, Herman Kumara, Convener of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement and Secretary General of the World Forum of Fisher People, revealed that they possess a draft bill proposed by the government aimed at amending the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996.
Kumara highlighted the contentious aspects of the draft bill, emphasizing that its provisions pose severe threats to small-scale fishermen. He vehemently stated, “The main agenda of this bill is to dismantle our rights, enabling multinational corporations to exploit our fishing resources and granting control of the beaches to tourist companies. Effectively, this law is poised to push small-scale fishers into unemployment.”
The proposed bill, according to Kumara, delineates zones that designate specific areas for fishing activities and tourism, raising concerns about practical feasibility. He added, “The bill aims to allocate the first five kilometers from the seashore for non-economic activities, reserving a section from the fifth to the 24th kilometer for small-scale fishermen. However, this zoning plan is impractical and threatens the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen. We adamantly oppose this law and intend to launch an agitation campaign urging the government to reconsider its detrimental plans.”
While acknowledging the need for tourism development, Kumara lamented, “It’s disheartening to witness the government prioritizing tourism growth at the expense of an age-old fishing industry.”
Furthermore, Kumara highlighted the government’s surveying of coastal lands and lagoons intended for handover to Chinese companies for aquaculture development. “This process, already in motion, aims to bypass existing legal hurdles, allowing Chinese companies to occupy beaches and shallow water areas.”
He criticized the lack of consultation with the fishing community and industry leaders in the legislation’s formulation, emphasizing the urgency to involve stakeholders in such crucial decision-making processes.
The press conference also featured speeches from Neville Gamini Fernando of the Janawaboda Kendraya, Hilda Fernando of the Sri Vimukthi Fisher Women Organization, Jude Namal of the People’s Council-Negombo, and trade union activist Prasanga Fernando, all expressing solidarity in opposing the proposed legislation.
A group of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) members, including its Leader Mano Ganesan, met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Thursday (02) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Extensive discussions were held on the issues faced by the Malayagam communities, particularly in relation to education, housing and land, as well as on the urgent measures required to address these concerns. The President paid special attention to all these matters.
Attention was also drawn to the recruitment of qualified Tamil-medium teachers to address the teacher shortage in estate sector schools and this too was discussed at length.
Members of Parliament P. Digambaram and V. Radhakrishnan, along with several other party members, were present at the meeting.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, held talks with Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Andrey Rudenko at the Foreign Ministry, in Colombo, on Thursday (02), with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
The Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visiting Russian Deputy Minister noted that Russia regarded Sri Lanka as a long-standing friend.
Rudenko assured that Russia stood ready to support Sri Lanka when required, including in the swift supply of Russian oil to help address the current energy challenges, encouraging Russian investors to explore new opportunities in the country and promoting increased tourist arrivals.
He also expressed Russia’s readiness to provide compensation for Sri Lankan war veterans who had lost their lives in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Minister Herath welcomed Russia’s willingness to assist, emphasising that Sri Lanka valued the support extended by its “old friend”, particularly at a time when the country was facing pressing energy needs.
He noted that the two countries shared nearly seven decades of diplomatic relations and said the present moment provided an opportunity to further strengthen ties, including through long-term trade agreements.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in the fields of energy, investment, tourism and diplomacy, with both sides reiterating their commitment to further deepen the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia.
Police yesterday arrested 157 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged organised online financial scam, conducted from a hotel in the Iranawila area in Chilaw.
The suspects were taken into custody during a raid carried out by the Police while they were staying at the hotel in Iranawila.
Police said the arrested group included 143 nationals from China, 13 from Bangladesh and one from Vietnam.
Investigators suspect the group had been involved in a coordinated online financial scam, targeting victims through digital platforms.
The suspects are being detained for further questioning while investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the operation and whether additional individuals were involved.Police said further inquiries are underway.
By Norman Palihawadane
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