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Fisherfolk organizations raise concerns over proposed legislation threatening centuries-old rights
Fisherfolk organizations have expressed serious apprehensions regarding an impending legislation that threatens to strip away their historical rights entrenched in their trade for centuries.
Addressing a recent press conference held at the Centre for Society and Religion in Colombo, Herman Kumara, Convener of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement and Secretary General of the World Forum of Fisher People, revealed that they possess a draft bill proposed by the government aimed at amending the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996.
Kumara highlighted the contentious aspects of the draft bill, emphasizing that its provisions pose severe threats to small-scale fishermen. He vehemently stated, “The main agenda of this bill is to dismantle our rights, enabling multinational corporations to exploit our fishing resources and granting control of the beaches to tourist companies. Effectively, this law is poised to push small-scale fishers into unemployment.”
The proposed bill, according to Kumara, delineates zones that designate specific areas for fishing activities and tourism, raising concerns about practical feasibility. He added, “The bill aims to allocate the first five kilometers from the seashore for non-economic activities, reserving a section from the fifth to the 24th kilometer for small-scale fishermen. However, this zoning plan is impractical and threatens the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen. We adamantly oppose this law and intend to launch an agitation campaign urging the government to reconsider its detrimental plans.”
While acknowledging the need for tourism development, Kumara lamented, “It’s disheartening to witness the government prioritizing tourism growth at the expense of an age-old fishing industry.”
Furthermore, Kumara highlighted the government’s surveying of coastal lands and lagoons intended for handover to Chinese companies for aquaculture development. “This process, already in motion, aims to bypass existing legal hurdles, allowing Chinese companies to occupy beaches and shallow water areas.”
He criticized the lack of consultation with the fishing community and industry leaders in the legislation’s formulation, emphasizing the urgency to involve stakeholders in such crucial decision-making processes.
The press conference also featured speeches from Neville Gamini Fernando of the Janawaboda Kendraya, Hilda Fernando of the Sri Vimukthi Fisher Women Organization, Jude Namal of the People’s Council-Negombo, and trade union activist Prasanga Fernando, all expressing solidarity in opposing the proposed legislation.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
