National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka Bill

By year 2000 we hope to increase inland fishing capacity to 48,000 tonnes
- Mahinda Rajapakse

Parliament met with Speaker K. B. Ratnayake in the Chair at 9.30 a.m. Wednesday October 8.

After presentation of reports and Ministers answered oral questions, Minister of Aquatic Resources Development and Fisheries Mahinda Rajapakse moved the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka Bill for second reading.

The Minister said: The freshwater fishing industry in Sri Lanka dates back to ancient times. The industry which received the patronage of ancient kings continued with different species like the trout introduced for propagation in more recent times to boost the industry.

The present capacity of fresh water fish is 40,000 tonnes. Inland fishing requires less capital than deep sea fishing. With deep sea fish resources fast depleting Aquaculture is gaining popularity with many international organisations pressing for an expansion of the inland fishing industry. Food and Aquaculture Organisation (FAO) has provided technical assistance to increase inland fisheries sector. One such scheme is to increase prawn cultivation. A new species was introduced from Thailand. Steps are being taken to propagate this species as well as develop the ornamented fishing industry at provincial level.

By year 2000 we hope to increase the inland fishing capacity to 48,000 tonnes. Under the 6 year programme formulated by the Ministry we hope to maximise the productivity to 68,000 as this country is blessed with natural waterways to do so.

The development of plants growing in and around water specially economically useful plants is another scheme for creating employment opportunities.

Fresh water fishing industry does not receive the patronage of private firms. As this is an industry that required state patronage since 1994 the fresh water fishing industry has remained a primary concern of the ministry. We will recall the services of scientists related to the fishing industry who were abandoned by the previous regime.

The new Authority will co-ordinate the services of related ministry plus the environment authority to add more teeth to its administration. The World Bank, which conducted a survey has identified the need for more private sector participation and the necessity for increased coordination between fishermen and the ministerial institutions, as the drawbacks for development of this industry. The proposed Authority would oversee and coordinate the necessary sectors for its development.

Festus Perera (UNP, Puttalam District) said: Today the Minister of Fisheries has presented this bill. I think everyone involved with the fishing industry should be satisfied about this.

At the time of the previous government, production from the fisheries sector was 40,000 tonnes. In our ministry there was a special section for the development of the inland fishing industry.

Our country is surrounded by sea, but production is not sufficient. An experimental ship called Nelson was brought to find out how this situation could be improved and it was found that the sea fish industry can only be improved to a certain extent whereas the inland fishery industry can be fully developed.

I recognise that the Minister is doing an excellent job in spite of the obstacles that have to be faced. The first obstacle is the war in the North-East. In that area, inland fishery was highly developed but now the war is affecting that industry. Fishermen are being abducted and killed. I hope the Minister will take note of these issues.

These fishermen are unable to go to other areas because the existing fishermen may not like to let strangers in. It was only in the South that fishermen were free of this problem but I have come to hear that this problem is cropping up in the South as well through representations that have been made to me.

I am asking this government to consider the tremendous difficulties fishermen face in their dangerous vocation. Their families should be compensated and relief must be given when some harm befalls them.

I made a request that the Bill should be put forward to the standing committee to discuss these problems and find solutions.

I also draw your attention to the lagoons. Most of these are silted and have to be de-silted. This will be helpful to those engaged in lagoon fishing.

We have reached the upper limit in sea fishing. You said the present production is about 250,000 tons. Most of our fishermen catch fish in the coastal belt. They cannot go to the deeper areas. What I want you to do is to give the small time fishermen an opportunity to engage in fishing in these lagoons.

You must co-operate with the Provincial Councils in developing the fishery industry in their areas.

On a previous occasion Education Minister Richard Pathirana promised to improve educational facilities in the fishing areas so that the young children of the fishing community could receive a good education.

Today the lack of educational qualifications is a big hindrance in the way of the young people. A fisherman can never be the President or the Prime Minister of this country. The reason is they do not have the educational qualification. This is a disadvantage which should be remedied.

You must allow fishermen to use outboard motors of 25HP. They can do nothing with the 15HP motor boats which they are now allowed to use. During my time I intervened and got the government to allow fishermen to use 25HP motors.

The Norechcholai problem is quite serious. Some fishermen who opposed the construction of a coal fired power station there have been shot at and injured. Compensation has not been paid.

I as Fisheries Minister opposed the move during my time and got it cancelled. Now you are the Minister and you must oppose it.

You must not withdraw relief provided to the fishing community. They are a less previleged lot doing a great service to the country.

Mahinda Rajapakse: You during your time had given an undertaking to the ADP that you will withdraw all the relief provided to them. I am bound by this undertaking.

Festus Perera: It is not true. My predecessor had withdrawn the relief. But as soon as I came back to the Ministry I restored all the facilities they were enjoying.

(contd. tomorrow)