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Adverse weather: Fishermen in financial difficulties

13 Aug 2020

By Sarah Hannan 
All Ceylon Fisher Folk Trade Union Secretary Dinesh Fernando said that the fisheries sector is facing somewhat of a financial crisis, as they are unable to continue with their trade due to the adverse weather conditions that prevailed for nearly two weeks. "During the lockdown period, we struggled to sell our catch at the regular price; for instance, a fish stick that we sold at Rs. 1,000 pre-Covid-19 was sold at about Rs. 250. No compensation was provided for our sector and given that there is a high maintenance cost for our gear and that our motors too are now in a dilapidated state due to irregular maintenance, the fisherfolk have to look at alternative methods of income,” Fernando told The Morning. He pointed out that changing governments have failed to address pressing issues that are faced by fishermen, especially those who are seafaring, who have to gamble with their livelihood and lives when at sea. Although there is an insurance scheme for them that would pay compensation if the fisherman dies at sea, there is no insurance scheme, should the fisherman face financial hardships or is barred from going to sea for longer periods of time due to adverse weather. The union said that they would make an appointment with the recently elected minister and discuss their issues, adding that hopefully this time, they would be able to find a solution for the many issues they have been facing over the years, including a fuel subsidy or at least to maintain the current pricing for fuel instead of increasing it when global oil prices are actually reducing as well as to look at measures to eliminate the exploitation by middlemen and those in the supply chain.

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