A discussion was held with divers of the All Sri Lanka National Center for Divers at the Auditorium of the Ministry under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage.
All Sri Lanka National Center for Divers states that this is the first meeting held recently, representing all divers under the patronage of a Fisheries Minister. Representatives from all districts, including the North, East and South, representing 5 fisheries districts, were present for this event and it was possible to obtain their views and suggestions covering the entire island. The divers presented a number of points.
More than 5,000 divers across the island earn their living by engaging in foreign exchange earning industries such as ornamental fishing, lobster fishing, conch and sea cucumber fishing. The main objective of this meeting was to discuss the problems of this group of people who are engaged in their jobs voluntarily without being a burden to the country and to receive new suggestions.
Main points that were discussed :
License issuance system : The Deputy Minister requested the divers to present a new transparent system within a month to replace the existing system for issuing licenses. It is expected to introduce a new system for issuing licenses for divers from 2026.
Treatment of 'Bends' Disease : The Deputy Minister agreed to the request made to install an expensive 'decompression' machine in government-owned hospitals to treat diseases such as 'Bends' that occur during deep diving. This will be presented as a proposal in the upcoming budget.
Tax concessions for diving equipment : The Minister promised to draw the attention of the Ministry of Finance for the request made to eliminate import taxes and luxury taxes imposed on diving equipment and gear and provide an opportunity to purchase them at a concessional price.
Foreign employment opportunities : It was agreed to discuss with the Foreign Employment Bureau and conduct necessary awareness raising programmes if a formal proposal is submitted regarding the search of employment opportunities in foreign countries for divers.
Marine Tourism and Cleanup : It was discussed the possibility of establishing artificial ecosystems to increase the tourist attraction of the ocean floor. Likewise, divers volunteered to contribute to the cleanup of destroyed corals and waste on the seabed, which the Deputy Minister appreciated and promised to provide the necessary support.
Trawling Vessels and Marine Environment Conservation : It was requested to intervene to prevent the destruction of the seabed and fish habitats due to Indian trawling vessels in the North, and it was agreed to take measures regarding the cultivation of corals artificially and upgrading of fish breeding grounds. Divers were requested to submit suggestions on suitable locations for this.
Scientific studies on prohibited fishing operations : The deputy Minister instructed the NARA Institute to conduct a scientific study regarding the request to grant permission for some of the currently prohibited fishing operations such as night diving and fishing with the use of spear guns and submit a report. Decisions will be taken based on the reports.
Illegal fishing activities : The deputy Minister said that he will collaborate with the security forces to stop all illegal fishing activities including fishing with the use of explosives. He even promised to provide an opportunity for representatives of divers to participate in the District Fisheries Coordinating Committee meetings and present their problems.
Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage concluded that he will discuss with the divers' associations again in the future and take actions to provide necessary solutions with the progress of this discussion.
Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister, Mr H.S.. Hathurusinghe, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mr. S.J. Kahawatte, officials of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, as well as officials of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) also participated for this event.
