Speaking in Parliament today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that several sectors in the country have been severely impacted by the ongoing global conflict, emphasizing that it is the government’s responsibility to identify these affected sectors and provide necessary relief.
With this objective, the government has decided to introduce a special fuel allowance under the President’s guidance to reduce fuel costs—one of the main expenses in the fishing industry. In addition to the existing general allowances, this targeted program for the fishing community will come into effect from April 20.
Fuel allowance for one-day fishing vessels:
- According to the Department of Fisheries, 37,500 one-day fishing vessels operating across the country will be eligible for this allowance.
- Regardless of the type of fuel used—petrol, diesel, or kerosene—a special allowance of Rs. 50 per liter will be provided in addition to the existing Rs. 100 concession.
- Each vessel will be entitled to Rs. 50 per liter for up to 25 liters per day, for a maximum of 25 days per month (totaling up to 625 liters).
- Accordingly, a boat owner can receive up to Rs. 31,250 per month for a period of three months. The payment will be directly credited to the bank account registered under the owner’s name.
Allowance for multi-day fishing vessels:
- This benefit will be extended to 5,500 multi-day fishing vessels registered with the Fisheries Department.
- For the three-month period, the government will provide a one-time allowance of Rs. 150,000 per vessel.
- To qualify for this allowance, vessel owners must complete the mandatory Departure Form issued by the Fisheries Department when setting out to sea (Diyamba).
Through this special program, the government aims to strengthen the fishing industry, ease the financial burden on affected fishing communities, and improve their overall living standards.
