Licence issues cause ripples among Negombo – Kalpitiya fishermen
A strike action was launched on Monday for the duration of one week, in several areas, by fisherman against a decision made by the department to issue licences once again.
This decision to launch a strike was reached following intervention by heads of fisheries organisations from Kalpitiya to Negombo
The heads of fisheries organisations noted that although the authorities had banned certain fishing gear, three weeks later, licences were provided for the use of such fishing gear.
Acting Chairman of Chilaw Fisheries District, Roshan Fernando noted that the Minster of Fisheries had previously made a statement that a certain fishing gear will be banned. Two weeks later a gazette notification was sent to the district office stating that licences would be provided for the use of the previously banned gear.
“Are they trying to hand over these jobs to the businessman and make them rich?” he questioned and added that the minster must work to uplift the lives of all fisherman
Chairman of Sinnapaduwa Fisheries Co-operative Society, Jensen Fernando noted that there are leaders across the country who should discuss this matter with heads of the fishing organisation and then reach a decision. He added that they should not make any decision that would harm the fisheries industry.
He added that due to this situation, small-scale fishermen are facing much hardship. He stated that thus a strike action aimed at the government will be called for a week, and if a solution is not given in a week, the fishermen will step down
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