Minister scoffs at rumour mongers: Govt has not stopped fuel subsidy

Ridma Dissanayake

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne frowned at the rumour mongers who spread falsehoods stating that his ministry has stopped paying fuel subsidy.

"There is no truth in this at all. We have not stopped payment of subsidy, but there was a delay", the minister said.

Minister Senaratne pointed out that the delay of payment was caused by fraudulent activities of some of those involved in getting the fuel subsidy and the improper conduct of some of the fishermen themselves.

" But now everything has been put in order by the Fisheries Department and payment of the subsidy will commence immediately", he added.

A number of Fishermen's Organisations had gone to town with the news that the ministry had stopped payment of the fuel subsidy. But the Fisheries Department has categorically stated that it has not stopped the payment. But the fraudulent activities of some of the fishermen had caused the department to face a number of problems and had to take appropriate measures to meet the unhealthy situation resulting in a delay, the minister explained.

"We have made arrangements to issue this subsidy in a specific procedure and it will come into operation within next few weeks. We have made arrangements to issue an electronic fuel card for the fishermen with to prevent the fraudulent activities of some fishermen", the minister explained.

The government had spent Rs. 3,615 million during last year for granting the fuel subsidy for the fishermen and they have granted this subsidy for 3,424 multiday fishing vessels, 404 one day vessels and 14,728 traditional fishing vessels from the beginning. At present the number of fishing vessels has increased by hundreds. According to that the government has to issue this subsidy for 3,812 multiday fishing vessels and 21,741 other vessels.

Meanwhile the Fisheries Ministry and District Fisheries Department have already identified several frauds by fishing vessel owners. Because of that the government has taken measures to follow a formal way to issue the fuel subsidy for the fishermen and it will be commenced within next few weeks.

However, all arrangements have ready to issue the last month fuel subsidy and fishermen have the opportunity to have that till middle of this month, Minister Senaratne said.