"Dala Rala Saviya , World Fisheries Day 2023" - Fisheries Day Greeting Message of the State Minister of Fisheries, Piyal Nishantha de Silva
The wonderful island surrounded by the great ocean must have a strong marine economy. The contribution to the national economy through our fishing industry, which is enriched not only by the sea but also by many inland reservoirs, should not be insignificant. As the current Ministry of Fisheries, we are committed to fulfill that duty.
In my opinion, World Fisheries Day is not just another celebration but the beginning of a new journey. We have proved it to the country through the World Fisheries Day program "Dala Rala Saviya 2022". Today, we have been able to create the mechanism to listen to the real problems of the fishermen and provide solutions to them, instead of mere showy celebrations.
Due to the fact of having to give priority to the activities related to the Appropriation Bill in the month of November, the Fisherman's Day programs are to be organized in the coming month of December centering on the Jaffna district. Accordingly, the Ministry of Fisheries organizes many special programs with the objectives of imparting new fishing technical knowledge to the fishermen of Jaffna district, promoting freshwater fish industry and sea leech cultivation.
In addition to this, the fishermen's mobile service established to go to the shore, the lake and the village to look for the fishermen's problems will be organized in Jaffna district this year. It will provide space for the Jaffna fishing community to solve many issues such as preparation of fishing ID cards, registration of vessels etc. very easily.
Along with the main national program of the World Fisheries Day, there will be many programs such as the launch of the Fishing Convention, the issuance of Fishery Insurance Policy, the launch of Fishery Pension Regulations etc. All these programs are operational under the full supervision and patronage of Mr. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries. With the initiative of the Minister, a special cultural program for the children of fishing families is also going to be organized in Jaffna this year.
Our aim is to transform Fishermen's Day into an ever-changing event so that it is not limited to a one-day celebration. It is our expectation to empower the fishing community to become a strong industry for the country's national economy. Accordingly, on this Fisherman's Day, we pledge to be committed to it
As the State Minister of Fisheries, I am happy to inform you that under "Dala Rala Saviya 2023" we are going beyond the usual greetings on Fishermen's Day and are preparing to initiate many activities that will truly improve the lives of fishermen.
Greetings to the entire fishing community on the occasion of World Fisheries Day...!
