“Our government is providing all forms of support to fishermen. The contribution of the fisheries sector is very important in strengthening the country’s production economy. Therefore, you must provide an excellent service to the people,” said Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage.

The ceremony to award appointment letters to 112 newly recruited Fisheries Officers for Fisheries Offices in 15 districts, organized jointly by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was held today (19) at the Auditorium of the Postal Headquarters in Colombo.

Speaking at the event, he further stated:

“It will be two years next month since our government came to power after winning the presidential election. My Minister and I have been holding these positions for the past 20 months. One of our main objectives is to stimulate the production economy. The fisheries sector plays an important role in this regard. Therefore, we believe that during this period we have provided an excellent service to the people.

We took over the administration in the face of a very severe economic crisis. However, over the past two years, a sense of confidence has been created among the people that the government has performed well.

However, various issues have been deliberately created in recent days. Initially, there was discussion about the prison issue, then the issue concerning the judicial system, and currently there is discussion about the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill. Many people are criticizing the 22nd Amendment Bill by focusing only on one section of it without studying the bill in its entirety.

In reality, this is one component of the overall judicial system reform. However, instead of discussing the other preparatory measures, including judicial reforms, the discussion is focused only on extending the retirement age of judges.

The appointment you have received is similar to that of an ambassador. You are the ones who must take the government’s policies and plans to the people. At the same time, you must bring the problems faced by fishermen to the attention of the government. Therefore, you must act as good ambassadors.

Learn more and gain experience in this field. Public communication is extremely essential. Fishermen carry out their livelihoods amid various challenges. Therefore, when they speak about their shortcomings or problems, listen to them patiently. By simply listening to them, 50% of their mental stress is reduced.

In addition, we requested a scientific, data-based report on ocean resources from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). We expect to receive that report tomorrow. Based on it, we will examine ways to improve marine fish resources.

After our government came to power, we provided fuel subsidies to fishermen. So far, a fuel subsidy amounting to Rs. 3,000 million has been provided. This is the first time in the country’s history that such a subsidy has been provided.

In this manner, we will always stand by the fishing community in every possible way,” the Deputy Minister said.