Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Rathna Gamage said that the government is unable to make a definitive statement at this stage regarding the Satyagraha protest launched by a group of Maadel (seine) fishers.
Speaking at a media briefing, the deputy minister said the fishermen have filed a court case challenging a decision taken by the ministry, and therefore a clear position cannot be expressed until the matter is taken up in court on the 27th.
He said the government remains open to dialogue following the court proceedings and highlighted the need to protect both the fishing community and the environment.
“We care about you. You should come and stand with us. Our duty is to protect our fishers, who in turn protect future generations,” he said.
“We are ready to hold discussions and move toward a correct solution. We do not have answers for incorrect approaches, which is why we reject them.”
The deputy minister added that once the court delivers its verdict, the ministry is prepared to engage in discussions aimed at safeguarding livelihoods while ensuring environmental protection.
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage’s comments come in response to the recent satyagraha campaign launched by a group of fishermen demanding the removal of the ban on tractor-mounted winches for Madel (seine net) fishing.
The protest, which began on 5 February in front of the Presidential Secretariat, involved seine fishermen from several coastal areas, including Mullaitivu and Kokilai.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, environmental damage caused by violations of the Seine Fishing Regulations by certain operators prompted the restrictions.
(Source:Newswire)
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