Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar has extended his heartfelt Pongal greetings to the Tamil community, stating that Thai Pongal is not merely a festival but a powerful symbol of hard work, gratitude to nature, resilience against oppression and hope for a better future.
In a special Pongal message, the Minister noted that the government is firmly committed to ensuring sustainable progress, economic self-reliance and social justice for the people of the North, who have suffered for decades due to the impact of war.
As part of this commitment, the Minister said that the government is taking concrete steps to protect and uplift the livelihoods of fishing communities living along the northern coastal belt, including Jaffna, under the purview of his Ministry.
He highlighted that planned initiatives are underway to introduce modern fishing technologies, develop fisheries harbours and landing sites, expand cold storage and preservation facilities, establish fisheries training centres, and create employment opportunities for youth and women.
The Minister further emphasised that the government has recognised that genuine economic progress in the North cannot be achieved solely through welfare programmes, but through rights-based development. He affirmed that the rights, safety and dignity of fishermen will remain a top priority of the government.
Minister Chandrasekar expressed hope that this Thai Pongal festival would mark a turning point, ending an era of neglect and ushering in a new dawn in the lives of the people of the North. He stressed that unity, hard work and social justice must form the foundation of the country’s true development.
Concluding his message, the Minister wished everyone a happy Thai Pongal, expressing hope that the festival would bring not only prosperity and renewed hope to households, but also a just future where people’s rights are protected.
