Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Mr. Rathna Gamage stated that appropriate steps will be taken based on formal legal and technical studies regarding the disputes that have arisen over the establishment of sea cucumber farms in the Melinchimunai area of Kayts, Jaffna, and the demands of the local residents.

More than 50 fisheries representatives, led by Mr. A. Mariyadas, Chairman of the Kristhuraja Fishermen’s Cooperative Society in the Melinchimunai area, met with the Deputy Minister today (31) at the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources in Colombo and handed over a memorandum containing their demands. A lengthy discussion was held regarding the sea cucumber farms.

The fisheries representatives requested the Deputy Minister to take the necessary steps to continue the permits issued to them formally for the sea cucumber farms in the Melinchimunai area.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) had recently issued letters of recommendation for the establishment of sea cucumber farming facilities on one-acre plots of land.

Against this backdrop, the fisheries representatives pointed out that certain parties had previously held a media briefing alleging that permission should not be granted for the relevant sea cucumber farms, as granting such permission could affect the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen. Allegations had also been made that laws had been violated in the process of granting these permits.

In view of this controversial situation, the meeting was organized to discuss the matter with the relevant fishing community and to gain a clear understanding of their demands and allegations.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage stated that the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, had been informed about the issue and that discussions had been held to formally examine the facts and take the necessary steps forward.

The Deputy Minister further stated that there was no room for party politics or other external influences in this matter, and that any activity related to the sea would only be finalized after formal discussions with the relevant officials and those with technical expertise.

He stated that the initial steps regarding the sea cucumber farms had been taken based on technical and legal studies, with attention being paid to ensuring that the day-to-day fishing activities or livelihoods of small-scale fishermen would not be affected.

He also assured that, while considering the reasonable demands of the people of the Melinchimunai area, further steps would be taken transparently after obtaining further guidance from the relevant officials, ensuring that the welfare and rights of small-scale fishermen are fully protected.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, along with ministry officials and a group of fisheries representatives from the Melinchimunai area, participated in the meeting.