Fishermen engaged in a Satyagraha campaign in front of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, demanding permission to conduct Madel (seine net) fishing activities using tractor-mounted winches, have been scheduled for a discussion with the President this evening (13).

The protest marks its ninth consecutive day today, with fishermen launching the campaign on 5 February to call for the removal of the government-imposed ban on the use of tractor-mounted winches for Madel fishing.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Prasad Siriwardana was also present at the protest site during this time.

The fishermen emphasised that, despite multiple discussions with relevant authorities, no resolution has been reached.

The ongoing Satyagraha underscores their continued frustration over the unresolved issue.

Police officers who arrived at the protest site assured the fishermen that arrangements would be made for a discussion with the President, providing hope for a potential resolution.