The Government is implementing a comprehensive programme to provide practical and long-term solutions to the challenges faced by fishing communities in the Northern Province, rather than temporary measures, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar said.

The Minister made these remarks during a special discussion held in Jaffna with representatives of the Northern Province Fisheries Federation. The meeting was chaired by the Federation’s Vice President, Anthony Albert.

A wide range of issues affecting the fishing community, including illegal fishing practices, Indian bottom trawling, and problems associated with shore seine (Karamal) fishing nets, were discussed at length during the meeting.

Minister Chandrasekar said draft legislation aimed at addressing these issues has already been submitted to the Attorney General’s Department. Following the incorporation of amendments recommended by the Department, the revised drafts have been resubmitted, and the Government will proceed with the necessary legal measures once final approval is granted.

He further stated that steps will be taken to ensure that sea cucumber farming projects do not adversely affect the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen.

The Minister also revealed that diplomatic-level discussions between Sri Lanka and India will be held to seek a lasting solution to the long-standing fisheries dispute. He added that stringent legal action has already been initiated against illegal fishing activities, including the use of prohibited light fishing methods.

Highlighting the Government’s commitment to maritime safety, Minister Chandrasekar said special attention has been given to incidents involving missing fishermen and fishing vessels. Under financial assistance from the Government of Japan, Sri Lanka is expected to receive two modern search-and-rescue vessels later this year, significantly strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies at sea.

He further disclosed that discussions are underway with the Sri Lanka Navy to introduce advanced vessel monitoring and tracking equipment for fishing boats in order to improve safety and facilitate faster rescue operations.

Referring to assistance provided following the Dithwa cyclone, the Minister said that more than 138 new fishing vessels have already been distributed to affected marine fishermen, while over 100 damaged boats have been repaired. Compensation payments and fishing gear have also been provided to other affected fishermen.

Considering the increase in kerosene prices, the Government has introduced a fuel subsidy for small-scale fishing boats, providing a subsidy of Rs. 50 per litre for up to 25 litres per day, 25 days a month, for a period of three months. The existing fuel subsidy scheme for larger fishing vessels will also continue without interruption.

The Minister said the Government is also formulating special relief and protection programmes to minimise the economic impact of climate change on fishing communities, with implementation expected in the near future.

He added that special attention is being paid to certain fishing technologies that negatively affect the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen. The Government is also working to secure the support of Norway and Japan to modernise Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector through improved technology, infrastructure, and sustainable fisheries management.

“Unlike previous administrations, the present Government considers the protection of fishermen’s livelihoods and the development of the fisheries industry a national priority. We remain fully committed to delivering practical and lasting solutions to the issues faced by the fishing community,” Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said.