The Jaffna District Fisheries Coordination Committee meeting was held on 25.06.2025 at the Jaffna District Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, with the participation of Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage.
The meeting focused on the various issues faced by the fishing community in the Jaffna District.
During the session, representatives discussed a wide range of concerns, including issues related to Indian fishermen, the use of illegal fishing methods, problems involving fishermen from southern Sri Lanka, the reconstruction of fish landing areas, and the implementation of the Myliddy and Pedro Port development projects.
Participants included the Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vedhanayakan; Jaffna District Parliamentarian Mr. J. Rajeevan; the Additional Secretary to the Ministry; Jaffna District Government Agent Mr. Pradeepan; Divisional Secretaries; representatives from the Coast Guard, Police, environmental organizations, fisheries-related agencies, and Pradeshiya Sabhas; and many others from the Sri Lanka Fisheries Ports Corporation, the Sri Lanka Fisheries Corporation, NARA, and NAQDA.
Minister Chandrasekar announced that the fishermen's pension scheme would come into effect from July 1st. He added:
“We are developing the Myliddy Port with appropriate arrangements for modern projects, for which financial allocations have already been made. Sea erosion in the Neduntheevu area has intensified, and steps are being taken to construct sea barriers.
The fishermen’s pension scheme has been approved and will be launched on July 1st. The participation of fishermen is essential. Development committee meetings are being held in each district to resolve fishermen's issues.
These meetings will continue regularly, and the demands raised by the fishermen will be addressed. All ministry officials, including the Deputy Minister, are participating, ensuring that the process is effective.
There is no alternative view regarding the release of land – it must and will be released. Roads that have remained closed for 37 years are now being reopened. A large industrial estate will be established, and apart from land required for the industrial estate and airport, the remaining land will be returned to the people. The people who abandoned Mayiliti are struggling today. The issue they have endured for 37 years will definitely be resolved.”
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage added that, going forward; fishermen can submit their concerns in writing to the Planning Director and the District Coordination Committee Coordinator via the District Government Agent. He also mentioned that discussions were held with the Northern Naval Commander and the Ministry of Defense to address illegal fishing, and action will be taken soon. He emphasized that those engaged in such unlawful activities will not be pardoned and that there will be no political interference in enforcement.
