• Cite inadequate harbour facilities in Nainativu, silting at Karainagar

Fishermen’s Associations in Jaffna have threatened to launch large-scale protests in collaboration with fishing communities and representatives from the South, accusing the Government of failing to address their longstanding grievances and protect the country’s marine resources.

The warning was issued at a media briefing held in Jaffna yesterday (21) by the Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and the People’s Struggle Movement, attended by the Federation’s spokesperson A. Annarasa and M.P. Subramaniam, and the Movement’s Executive Committee member Wasantha Mudalige.

Subramaniam accused successive Governments of failing to address fishermen’s concerns despite repeated representations to subject Ministers over the years. He alleged that the incumbent Fisheries Minister (Ramalingam Chandrasekar) lacked an understanding of the fishing industry and accused the previous Minister of engaging in fraudulent activities for personal gain. He further claimed that Chandrasekar is favouring certain individuals at the expense of ordinary fishermen’s livelihoods.

Annarasa said that fishermen had repeatedly lodged complaints with the Jaffna District Assistant Fisheries Director, but their concerns remain unresolved. He called for Chandrasekar to be replaced, accusing him of prioritising the interests of business operators over those of small-scale fishermen who depend on the sea for their daily income. He also raised concerns over sea cucumber farming and the commercial exploitation of marine resources, urging the Government to intervene without further delay. Annarasa warned that fishermen would step up their protests and join forces with fishing communities and representatives from the South if the Government continued to fail to respond to their demands.

Mudalige accused the Government of making life increasingly difficult for fishermen despite its promises to improve living standards. He alleged that Indian trawlers continue to enter Sri Lankan waters and exploit local marine resources, while the Government remains silent. He also accused the Government of yielding to pressure from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The Government claims to be seeking Dollars, yet remains silent while Indian fishermen plunder Sri Lanka’s marine resources,” he said. Mudalige pointed to infrastructure problems affecting fishing communities, including the lack of adequate harbour facilities for anchoring boats in Nainativu and the silting of the sea entrance at Karainagar. Mudalige also criticised Chandrasekar’s handling of the sector, alleging that he had failed to provide practical solutions to the difficulties faced by fishermen.

Rising fuel prices and concerns over the quality of fishing nets were among the other issues raised at the briefing.

Chandrasekar was not available for comment.