A discussion regarding the establishment of district-level committees to curb illegal fishing activities and unlawful acts involving fishing vessels was held yesterday (25) at the Parliament complex.

The discussion was chaired by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar; the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Rathna Gamage; and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Aruna Jayasekara.

It was agreed to establish 15 district committees covering 15 fisheries districts—including Negombo, Chilaw, Puttalam, and Mannar—with the Director General of Fisheries and the respective District Secretary serving as co-chairpersons of these committees.

This district-level committee will comprise the District Secretary, the District Assistant Director (Fisheries), a Fisheries Coordinating Officer appointed by the Minister of Fisheries, relevant members of fisheries societies, and representatives from the Sri Lanka Police, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the National Aquaculture Development Authority. It was also agreed that officials from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) or other relevant institutions could be included in these committees as required.

Particular attention was paid to methods for preventing fish poaching—especially in the waters off the Eastern Province—and to the measures necessary to prevent accidents affecting those engaged in the fishing profession.

Members of Parliament Ajith Gihan, Stephanie Fernando, Aboobucker Athambawa, Karunanadan Ilankumaran, and Thilakanadan; the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa; the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Sampath Thuyacontha; the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Aloka Bandara; the Director General of the Department of Fisheries, Susantha Kahawatta; and officials representing the Sri Lanka Police, the Navy, and the Coast Guard also participated in this event.