A special meeting was held in Colombo today (21st of May) between the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and the Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Hon. Eric Walsh.
Minister Chandrasekar warmly welcomed the High Commissioner and an extensive discussion was held on the issues facing by the fishing community in the country, future development plans and the main issues affecting the people of the Northern Province in particular.
At this event, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar emphasized that even after 30 years of war, the people of the Northern Province still live as a group that has not received due attention. Minister has pointed out that previous governments had neglected the people of the North immensely, and he further stated that the current National People’s Power (NPP) government is committed to implement massive development projects to improve the livelihoods of those communities without any discrimination. The Minister reiterated that building a country free from fraud, corruption and racism is the primary objective of the National People’s Power government.
The Minister explained that most of the communities in the North live below the poverty line, while 40% of them still resides in temporary shelters. He emphasized that even orphans, widows and many elderly people are in a helpless situation. Moreove, the Minister has pointed out .that 60% of the population is suffering from the burden of debt and they are experiencing severe difficulties in repaying loans, which has been a major reason for the increase in women committing suicide in the Wanni region.
Minister Chandrasekar has discussed even of the challenges faced by the fishing community and stated that the government is actively working to improve their livelihood. Recalling a past when fishermen from the North and South practiced their occupation without any discrimination, he stated that due to schismatic politics, racism has developed and national unity was broken.
Emphasizing that the government is making great efforts to build reconciliation and unity in the country, the Minister undeniably stated that no form of racism will be allowed any longer. He also expressed his despondency about certain internal and external parties who are trying to revive ethnic segregation to disrupt the exertion of the government. He urged the Canadian High Commissioner not to allow any act that would re-segregate the people along ethnic issues.
Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh expressed his intention to extend the full support of Canada for the reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka. He particularly commended the strong mandate received for the National People’s Power to fight against corruption and fraud, and pledged the continued support of Canada for these efforts. The High Commissioner noted that the new government has been positively recognized on international level. He appreciated even the President’s speech at the National War Heroes’ Day commemoration held on last Monday.
Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, the new Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, who assumed office today, requested the Canadian High Commissioner to support the freshwater controlled fish farming development projects which were planned to improve the livelihoods of fishermen who have been affected by economic issues. The Secretary emphasized that support of Canada is of utmost importance in identifying funding agencies for these projects, which will focus on establishing sea cucumber hatcheries and promoting private-public partnerships. He also requested to consider on investment opportunities for improving sea cucumber breeding and exports, as well as new freshwater controlled fish farming projects in the Kalu Ganga Reservoir.
Highlighting Canada’s strong fisheries industry and advanced freshwater-controlled fish farming technology, High Commissioner Walsh expressed his keen interest in continuing discussions in these areas in the future.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Canada, Hon.Mr. Eric Walsh, the Second Secretary of the Canadian High Commission in Colombo, Mr. Patrick Pickering, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa have participated for this meeting.
