The safety of fisherfolk who risk their lives to contribute to national income and ensure the nutritional needs of the people must be guaranteed, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekaran said in Parliament today (06 January 2026).
Making his remarks while addressing two important regulations introduced under the Ministry of Fisheries and issues related to the welfare of fisherfolk, the Minister emphasised the need for country-specific regulations on mud crab harvesting. He noted that the capture of juvenile crabs and berried (pregnant) crabs causes significant damage to natural resources.
He explained that these regulations are in line with Extraordinary Gazette No. 2371/35 published on 15 February 2024, under Section 61 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 2 of 1996.
The Minister further stated that Sri Lanka must strictly adhere to United Nations and European Union regulations when exporting seafood to European countries. Last year, officials from the European Union visited Sri Lanka and conducted physical inspections of fishing vessels. If the use of illegal nets or prohibited fishing methods is detected, seafood exports to the respective country could be suspended.
In such a challenging context, the Minister acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Ministry’s Secretary, Director General and other officials in safeguarding the country’s export interests.
In line with global practices, legal action must be taken against the harvesting and farming of crabs with a carapace circumference of less than 130 millimetres, he said. Fish caught using banned nets or illegal methods are rejected for export. During EU inspections last year, Ministry officials took preventive measures to avoid such obstacles.
Mud crabs play a significant role in earning foreign exchange for the country, and these regulations have been introduced to increase production while conserving resources, the Minister noted.
At a time when public discourse is ongoing regarding the abolition of parliamentary pensions, Minister Chandrasekaran stressed the urgent need to provide proper pension schemes for fisherfolk who genuinely work and contribute to the economy.
He pointed out that many pension schemes introduced in the past have failed or been ineffective. Therefore, the government is taking steps to promptly implement a strong and sustainable pension scheme for fisherfolk. This scheme, he said, will help fisherfolk live without poverty in their old age and attract youth to the fisheries sector.
The Minister also referred to the recent Cyclone Dwitva, which caused severe hardship to the fishing community. Thirteen multi-day fishing vessels were completely destroyed, while 215 traditional boats were partially damaged. Three deaths were reported.
The government has taken steps to provide affected fisherfolk with fishing nets and boats free of charge, along with necessary relief assistance.
In conclusion, the Minister requested the support of Parliament to implement this pension scheme, which will be strengthened through fisherfolk’s own contributions. He praised the dedication of fisherfolk who risk their lives to earn foreign exchange and meet the protein needs of the population, highlighting the crucial role of mud crab production in the national economy.
