Hon. Rathna Gamage - Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

## Summary Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage provided a detailed ministerial response on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries regarding the licensing and regulation of madal (traditional seine) fishing operations in Sri Lanka. He confirmed that 935 madal licences have been issued across 13 fishing districts, with the highest concentrations in Batticaloa (144), Kalmunai (133), and Tangalle (130), and outlined the three categories of licensing documents issued by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The Deputy Minister clarified that mechanized equipment is expressly prohibited under the 1984 Madal Fishing Regulations, which define madal as a seine hauled manually by two groups on shore. He acknowledged that temporary permissions for mechanized use were granted in 2015 in four districts following a request from the All Ceylon Madal Fisheries Association, but these were suspended in February 2016 due to concerns about coastal damage. Regarding current measures, the Deputy Minister stated that no new prohibition was necessary as the 1984 regulations remain in force. He further noted that on 13 February 2026, following discussions between the Madal Fisheries Association and the President, a multi-agency committee — including NARA, MEPA, CEA, and other relevant bodies — was established, held its first meeting on 16 February 2026, and is expected to submit recommendations within three months, with field studies commencing from the end of February.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Hon. Rathna Gamage formally presented a petition to Parliament from Mr. W. Gunadasa of Rathgama, tabling it in accordance with parliamentary procedure. No additional argument or context was provided beyond the submission of the petition.