Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena advised the Minister of Fisheries to submit a report to him as soon as possible to prevent the killing of fish using explosives. He made this reference in a discussion held at the Prime Minister’s Office with the participation of Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda.
Member of Parliament Mr. Yadamini Gunawardena also highlighted the damage caused to dolphins and blue whales by fishing using explosives in the sea around Kalpitiya and Puttalam. Due to the use of explosives, the marine ecosystem is severely damaged and it also affects the development of the fishing industry.
many tourists tend to visit Sri Lanka for the purpose of watching dolphins since they can be seen very often in the ocean around Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister instructed to discuss this issue with the fishermen and prepare this report by pointing out the harm caused to the ocean system and the country’s economy including the agreements reached there.
Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said that the report containing remedies for this problem will be handed over to the Prime Minister within two months. Then the report is to be submitted to the Cabinet.
Mr. Yadamini Gunawardena, Member of Parliament said that he regretted that the officials of the Ministry of Fisheries are lethargic in acting to prevent fishing using prohibited tools. Pointing out that measures have been taken to prevent the use of such illegal gear in the sea of the southern province, the MP asked the officials why there is delay in preventing such actions in other sea areas as well.
Ministry officials mentioned that they are working to prevent the means of getting explosives bt the fishermen, increase the legal provisions against those who kill fish using illegal methods and with the help of the police and the navy to expand the raids of people involved in prohibited fishing methods.
State Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Ashoka Priyantha, Secretary of the Fisheries Ministry, Indu Rathnayake, many senior officials of the Fisheries Department and Nara Institute were present in this discussion.