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.