A discussion on issues related to the dragnet fishing industry was held on 30th June 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Committee Room No. 4 of the Parliament under the patronage of the Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and the Deputy Minister, Mr. Rathna Gamage, with the All Ceylon Dragnet Owners Association.
The discussion was attended by the President of the All Ceylon Dragnet Owners Association, Rev. Father Lester Nonis, Treasurer W.E. Fonando, Member of the Board of Directors H.V. Appuhami, Secretary Dilruk Fonando, Patron Nimal Kurera, and about twelve representatives, including Member of Parliament of Gampaha District, Stephanie Fernando. Representing the Ministry of Fisheries, Director (Development) K.L.D. Asela, Chief Secretary of the National Fishermen's Federation L.G. Ajantha Kumara and Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister, H.S. Hathurasinghe, were present. Representing the Department of Fisheries, Director General Susantha Kahawatte, Director (Management) Buddhika Abeyratne, Deputy Director (Management) M. G. N. Jayakody and Assistant Director of Mullaitivu K. Mohankumara, participated in this event.
The main objective of this discussion was to discuss the issues related to the use of tractors or winches in the dragnet fishing industry that was raised at the Mullaitivu District Fisheries Coordination Committee held on 25th of June 2025.
Opinions of the Dragnet Owners:
The president of the All Ceylon Dragnet Owners' Association, Rev. Father Lester Nonis, speaking at the event, said that there are about 800 net owners in Sri Lanka, and about 50 families depend on one net. He explained that since the depth of the sea has increased after the tsunami, it has become difficult to pull the nets by hand, and therefore the use of winches has become essential. The delegation stated that the ban on winches will cause great inconvenience for fishing families, and they will also suffer economically due to the tractors and winches purchased on credit. They urged the government to protect the dragnet industry, which provides nutritious fish for the country and essential fish for local products (Ambul thiyal, ..), and to lift this ban.
Stance of the Department of Fisheries:
Representatives of the Department of Fisheries pointed out that according to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1984, the dragnet fishing industry is a non-mechanized traditional method and must be done by hand. They explained that tractors are used in several districts, and tractors are frequently used in the Mullaitivu District, and that the use of dragnets must be carried out within the limit of 1.5 nautical miles. The Director General emphasized the importance of complying with existing rules for conservation of resources.
Opinions of the Minister and the Deputy Minister:
Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the government has the responsibility to protect fish resources for future generations. He stated that the government's objective is to lead the country towards a sustainable and modern fishing industry without repeating the mistakes of the past. The Minister said that the government is committed to improving the living standards of the people and will seek solutions to this problem after consulting all parties.
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said that Sri Lanka is ranked fourth among the most polluted seas in the world and that the oceanic environment has been greatly polluted by various human activities. Emphasizing the damage caused to fish resources and human health by dynamite, prohibited fishing methods and method of using fishing light attractors, he said that it is the government's policy decision to protect and conserve the fishery resources for the future. He said that the use of winches destroys seaweed on the coast and that as a country the right decisions should be taken by looking into the matter as a whole. The Deputy Minister further stated that decisions are taken by considering long-term benefits rather than short-term gains, balancing all factors such as the livelihood of the fisherman, economy of the country, nutrition, and health level.
