Following discussions with the President on the current national situation, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, stated that all essential services related to the fisheries sector will continue without interruption.
Accordingly, all units—including the Monitoring,controlling and Surveillance Unit, Fisheries Operations Unit, Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) of the Fisheries Department, and the Fish Import-Export Unit at Katunayake Airport—will operate as usual, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fishermen and exporters will have uninterrupted access to these services at all times.
In response to the fuel challenges arising from the ongoing global conflict, the government has introduced a special fuel management program tailored to the fisheries sector. The Secretary outlined the relief measures as follows:
Multi-day fishing vessels: Required diesel can be obtained from all fishery harbours upon submission of the Departure Form.
One-day and small-scale vessels: Fisheries Inspectors have already submitted vessel lists to the relevant fuel stations through designated officers to facilitate the distribution of kerosene and petrol. Based on an assumed operation of four days per week, fishermen will be eligible to receive up to 100 liters of kerosene weekly, along with the necessary petrol to start engines. Coordination can be done through area fisheries officers.
Processing and Aquaculture Centers: Fuel requirements for generators and boilers at fish processing and aquaculture centers are being coordinated by the Ministry of Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and Energy and Divisional Secretaries.
The Secretary further noted that the emergency hotline, 011 432 3389, remains open 24 hours a day to assist fisheries and aquaculture workers facing any fuel-related issues.
