Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that expeditious solutions would be provided to the issues faced by the fishing community in the Mullaitivu District, while all powers vested in him would be utilized to completely control illegal fishing activities taking place in the district.

The Mullaitivu District Fisheries Coordinating Committee meeting, organized with the objective of directly identifying the issues faced by the fishing community in the Mullaitivu District and providing permanent solutions to them, was held yesterday (11.08.2026) at the Bandara Vanniyan Conference Hall of the District Secretariat, under the patronage  of Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

At the beginning of the meeting, District Secretary A. Umamaheswaran provided an explanation regarding the purpose of the meeting and the main issues faced by fishermen in the Mullaitivu District.

During the meeting, fishermen expressed their strong dissatisfaction regarding illegal fishing activities taking place within the district. In particular, they pointed out that the Department of Fisheries and the Navy had not taken adequate measures to prevent illegal fishing activities and called on the Government to take strict legal action against such activities.

Responding to this, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated:

“The Government is paying close attention to the issues faced by fishermen in the Mullaitivu District. In particular, illegal fishing activities cannot be permitted under any circumstances. We will take all necessary measures to completely control illegal activities that harm the livelihoods of fishermen and destroy marine resources.

We are taking steps to urgently resolve the shortage of staff in the Mullaitivu District Fisheries Department. Eight newly appointed officers are expected to assume duties shortly. This will enable us to further strengthen law enforcement and services provided to fishermen.

There will be no hesitation in bringing those engaged in illegal fishing before the law. Strict legal action will be taken against activities such as illegal purse seine fishing using small-mesh nets, the use of dynamite, fishing beyond designated boundaries, and the use of motorized boats in lagoons.

The Government’s objective is not to harm the livelihood of any fisherman. It is our responsibility to protect the livelihoods of fishermen who engage in their occupation while respecting the law, and to sustainably protect marine and aquatic resources for future generations.

I will use the full powers vested in me to provide appropriate solutions to the legitimate demands of the fishermen of Mullaitivu and will act expeditiously . The Ministry will continue to take the necessary steps to resolve the issues faced by fishermen.

A sustainable fishing industry can be built only if fishermen and Public institutions work together. Therefore, I urge all fishermen to refrain from illegal activities and engage in the fishing industry responsibly and sustainably.”

There are currently 4,542 fishermen engaged in the fishing industry in the Mullaitivu District. The total fish production of the district in 2025 was recorded at 8,220.49 metric tonnes.

Various projects are currently being implemented to improve the infrastructure and livelihood needs of fishermen in the district. Under the Northern Development Project, five development projects, including net-weaving hall in Chaalai and Theeththakarai, have been completed at a cost of Rs. 67 million. In addition, steps have been taken to establish an ice plant  in the Iranai Palai area at a cost of Rs. 100 million.

Of the 64 prefabricated houses provided to the Mullaitivu District as a donation from the Government of China, partial work (building foundation work) has been completed on 57 houses.

Under the 2026 kerosene subsidy project, more than Rs. 127.5 million has been allocated for fishing vessels for a period of three months. In addition, 13 new OFRP boats have been provided to fishermen in Mullaitivu who were affected by disasters.

As a step towards modernizing the fishing industry, activities to mark coastal beach seine fishing areas, boat landing sites  and lagoon boundaries using GPS technology are scheduled to be continued in 2026. Work is also underway to install solar-powered lighting systems and electric lighting systems at boat landing sites.

For 2027, Rs. 330 million has been proposed for the removal of silt from the Nandikadal, Nayaru and Chaalai lagoons, while Rs. 23 million has been proposed for a shrimp stocking project. Furthermore, various infrastructure development projects, including roads, drinking water and healthcare facilities, have been proposed under the 2026–2027 action plan.

So far in 2026, 49 cases have been reported in connection with illegal fishing activities, and 78 individuals have been arrested. Fines amounting to Rs. 2.295 million have also been imposed, while three boats and two engines have been seized.

With the objective of establishing a sustainable fishing industry in the Mullaitivu District, the protection of marine and aquatic resources, improvement of necessary infrastructure, strengthening law enforcement, and increasing awareness regarding responsible fishing have been identified as key priorities moving forward.

The discussion was attended by Vanni District Members of Parliament Selvam Adaikalanathan, Kader Masthan and Thurai Rajah Ravikaran; Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa; Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Susanta Kahawatta; Secretary to the Northern Province Ministry of Agriculture; Additional District Secretary; Karaituraipattu Divisional Secretary; heads of government departments; representatives of fishermen’s associations; the Navy; the Police; and fishermen from the district, among others.