NFFSL must ensure rights of fisheries community

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The National Fisheries Federation of Sri Lanka, has a responsibility to protect and ensure the Human Rights of the fisheries community in the country. They should dedicate themselves towards the welfare of the fisheries community as well, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

“All sections related to the fisheries industry, should act to make the ocean a resource as President Mahinda Rajapaksa mentions in the Mahinda Chinthana - Future Vision, he added.

The minister was addressing a special meeting with committee members of the National Fisheries Federation at the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry. “We established this National Fisheries Federation last year, with the aim of uplifting the livelihood of the fisheries community, while granting them a number of facilities. We have introduced loan schemes with low interest rates, insurance schemes and pension schemes for fishermen through the Federation.

Over 110,000 fishermen have already received membership of the Federation and we have established 26 district level fisheries organizations and 1187 village level fisheries organizations islandwide parallel to the national federation,” Minister Senaratne said.

“The Fisheries industry in Sri Lanka has achieved a number of goals in the two years since 2009 under the leadership of Minister Rajitha Senaratne.

“Both economic and social status of the fisheries community has been uplifted by him. The minister has done a great service to develop both the fisheries industry and the livelihood of fishermen as well.

“It should be appreciated and all fisheries communities islandwide, should help him to achieve all other goals in the sector, National Fisheries Federation's National Coordinator and Minister's Public Relations Secretary Premasiri Perera said.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Damitha de Soysa, Fisheries Department Director General Nimal Hettiarachchi and National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) Chairman Jayantha Chandrasoma participated.