Govt ensures dignified life for fishermen -minister

Text and picture Christie Fernando, Chilaw special correspondent

“This government ensures the fishermen a life of dignity and self-respect. They risk their lives in rough seas to make ends meet and sustain their families.

“The lives of fishermen are hazardous, and they essentially provide us with a nutritious and protein-rich component of fish in our meals for our existence. We strive hard to make their lives cheerful and happy by providing all safeguards and requirements”, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne handing over a consignment of safety equipment to a fisherman. Also in the picture is Wayamba Provincial Council Road Development, Electricity, Housing and Construction, and Fisheries Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera.

The minister was speaking to fishermen in the Chilaw area at a symposium entitled ‘Regional fisheries livelihoods programme for South and South East Asia’, held at the Sudasuna hall, Chilaw on Monday.

‘Safety equipment was necessary to make their lives less perilous and hazardous. With safety measures adopted the fishermen could venture into the sea, knowing exactly where the shoals of fish congregate with the help of fish finders. With safety measures adopted, the fishermen will now be able to return home to unite with their families safely, Dr Senaratne said. ‘I was instrumental in the release of many fishermen who had drifted away from our legitimate boundaries to make a living. I had personally intervened by directly calling the authorities overseas by phone to rescue the deprived fishermen who otherwise would have forfeited their valuable boats, fishing gear and nets and lagged behind bars unnecessarily for months before they were freed, the minister pointed out.

“Steps have been taken to eliminate the plight of fishermen by introducing an insurance scheme whereby a fisherman has to pay only Rs. 750 a year or Rs.50 a month to get himself insured and he is bound to profit by it in the long run. Besides, a pension scheme is also in the offing to keep them on a good footing to eke out honourable lives.

The Minister said dried fish is imported spending a colossal sum of money amounting to Rs. 17, 000 million a year. Very soon dried fish will be made in the country.

A boat complex has been opened at Karainagar as there is great potential for the export market. There is now a great demand for large-sized boats. “Mother vessels” will be imported from China to be stationed in the mid sea to provide ice and storage facilities and other needs so that fishing boats can stay longer in the sea without returning home for fuel and obtaining other necessities.

Several investors have come from Japan, New Zealand and other countries to improve the fisheries industry. Our target is not only to catch fish in bulk but supply to the export market to earn foreign exchange. Besides, by opening several industries, the fishermen will be able to find other ancillary jobs, he said.

By improving the fisheries industry, the fisher families will be able to earn for the upkeep of their families and for the education of their children.

The minister also distributed safety equipment to a large number of selected fishermen from the coastal-belt villages.

The minister however advised them not to sell these equipment as they become invaluable and handy in protecting their lives. Puttalam District MP B. Anthony Victor Perera said he was grateful to Minister Senaratne for imposing a ban on trawling and illegal fishing such as stilt fishing, dragnet fishing, etc, which were threats to the fishing industry. Several others also spoke.