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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.
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China pledges continued support for Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, and Independence – Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.
During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath; Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake; Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong; and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China, Majintha Jayasinghe, were also present at the event.
Business
$3.7 billion foreign direct investment secured during President’s first state visit to China
During President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s four-day state visit to China, Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone by securing the largest foreign direct investment to date. This significant achievement was formalized this morning (16) with the signing of an agreement between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy and Sinopec, a leading Chinese international petroleum corporation.
Under this $3.7 billion investment, a state-of-the-art oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels will be constructed in the Hambantota region. A substantial portion of the refinery’s output is planned for export, further enhancing the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
This major investment from China is expected to bolster Sri Lanka’s economic growth while uplifting the livelihoods of low-income communities in the Hambantota area. Moreover, the benefits of this project are anticipated to positively impact the overall Sri Lankan population in the near future.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake and Director General of Government Information H. S. K. J. Bandara, alongside other dignitaries were present when the agreement was signed.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake extended an invitation to Chinese investors to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the nation’s stable governance and transparent economy.
He made these remarks as the keynote speaker at the “Investment Forum” held today (16), jointly organized by Chinese state and private enterprises.
The forum was a significant event during President Disanayake’s third day of his four-day state visit to China, undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Prominent Chinese corporations, including China Tianying Inc. (CNTY), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., China Communications Construction Company Ltd., China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd., China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Energy International Group Company Ltd., Guangzhou Public Transport Group and Huawei BYD Auto participated in the event.
President Disanayake also engaged in cordial discussions with the leadership of these corporations.
The forum was attended by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Majintha Jayasinghe, among others.
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China pledges continued support for Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, and Independence – Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
$3.7 billion foreign direct investment secured during President’s first state visit to China
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