A meeting of District Fisheries Coordination Officers was held at the Ministry premises on 25th of July under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Rathna Gamage with the objective of discussing the problems and challenges faced by the fisheries industry and providing practical solutions.
The occasion was attended by many parties including Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte, Members of Parliament Abubakar Adambawa, Arkam Ilyas, Roshan Akmeemana, District Fisheries Representatives, and representatives of insurance companies.
Key points discussed and decisions:
New system of issuing fishing licenses:
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources announced that a new system will be introduced to ensure transparency in issuing diving licenses for catching sea cucumbers, conches, lobsters and ornamental fish. Applications will be invited from 30th of October, and licenses will be issued subsequent to an interview based on factors such as the experience of the applicants, ownership of the vessel and insurance coverage.
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Revision of Fee:
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage revealed that the relevant company has agreed to reduce the monthly fee charged for VMS machines to a manageable level, considering the requests made by the fishing community. Likewise, even steps will be taken to suspend the VMS fee for vessels that have been in idle status for more than three months.
Census of Fishing Vessels:
After about 10 years, a census of fishing vessels covering the entire island is scheduled to be conducted from 4th of August to 20th of August. It is expected to create an updated database on the fishing vessels of the country from this, and it has also been decided not to renew the operating licenses of vessels that do not participate in the census.
Fishing Insurance System:
Considering the fishing accidents that have occurred in the past, the fishing insurance systems implemented by the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and the Cooperative Insurance Company were discussed at length. Speaking at the meeting, the Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, emphasized the importance of insurance to protect the lives and property of fishermen. He pointed out that insurance systems have been developed to provide financial relief to fishermen during hospitalization, children's education and in the event of an accident, and he pointed out the need to educate the fishing community on this subject.
Empowerment of Fishermen's Societies:
In order to obtain the contribution of the fishing community to the economic development of the country, discussions were also held to reactivate the inactive fishermen's societies at the district level and provide them with training programs and loan facilities.
This discussion was an important step towards providing practical solutions to the problems faced by the fishing industry, and Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage emphasized that the government is committed to uplift the fishing industry with the cooperation of all parties.
