PARLIAMENT

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis Chaired by Hon. Gamini Waleboda met recently in Parliament. Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Government institutions under the Ministry of Fisheries, officials including heads, representatives of the North East fishing community were present at the Committee meeting held.

The fishermen representatives of the north pointed out that the illegal encroachment of the northern coast by Indian fishermen have severely affected their livelihoods. Moreover, it was disclosed that the damage to marine resources due to fishing using trawling methods by Indian fishermen has not been assessed so far.

The Chair of the Committee expressed his displeasure that although surveys of marine resources within 24 nautical miles from the coast have been conducted in other parts of the island, the relevant government institutions have not conducted such a survey in the north. Considering these facts, the Committee instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries to consult with all relevant parties regarding the prevention of illegal fishing activities in the North and submit a report containing the necessary recommendations to the Parliament as soon as possible.

Furthermore, there was a discussion at length regarding the permission given to import fish from foreign countries for re-export. The Committee Chair pointed out that the imported fish will be re-exported with added value and part of it will be sold locally. He stated that by doing so, the country will lose taxes and the reputation of Sri Lankan fish in the international market will also be affected. Officials pointed out that a fish import and re-export company is importing a type of prawns that can cause disease and it is affecting the entire shrimp production in Sri Lanka.

The Committee Chair raised a question regarding the decision taken to allow the import of fish affecting the fishing industry and instructed the secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries to call all relevant parties immediately and take a decision in this regard.

Members of Parliament, Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Weerasekera, Hon. Mohomad Muzammil, Hon. Jayarathna Herath, Hon. Nimal Piyathissa, Hon. Jagath Priyankara, were present at the Committee meeting held.