2026-02-06 / Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations under Public Security Ordinance 2026-02-06
Hon. Ajith Gihan addressed two fisheries-related issues. On the attack against multi-day fishermen allegedly involving the Indian Coast Guard, he confirmed that India has officially denied involvement in writing, that the injured fishermen have been hospitalised and are receiving government attention, and that investigations are ongoing both domestically and in coordination with India. On beach-seine (madal) fisheries, he defended the enforcement of the 1984 beach-seine regulations, clarifying that there is no ban on the industry itself but that the use of tractors constitutes unlawful mechanisation — noting that a previous minister had improperly granted such permission to 183 operators — and warning that mechanised over-extraction damages coastal ecosystems and harms small-scale fishers. He called on protesters, particularly those operating north of Puttalam, to pursue their concerns through lawful channels rather than illegal methods, while expressing willingness to engage in dialogue.
Hon. Presiding Member, earlier Hon. Hector Appuhamy said a group of multi-day fishermen were attacked—alleging the Indian Coast Guard. Our Minister and Deputy Minister investigated. India has officially stated in writing they were not involved. There was indeed an attack and the fishermen are in distress; we deployed Navy craft, brought them ashore and hospitalized them; ministers visited them. Investigations continue—by us and with a request to India. We will identify who attacked them.
On beach-seine (madal) fisheries: protests arose claiming we are disrupting the industry. There are about 800–900 beach seines. A small group now seeks permission to use tractors—an unlawful mechanization. A former Minister had unlawfully granted permission to 183 people. Beach seining is a traditional industry and must be regulated. Today, many small-scale fishers depend on the sea. If a few over-extract and destroy marine resources and beaches with machines, the vulnerable small fishers suffer. We are enforcing the 1984 beach-seine regulations. There is no ban on beach seining or on owners; every seine can still operate—by hand. Not everything can be mechanized; we must protect coastal ecosystems.
Some operators, particularly from Puttalam northward, are using multiple tractors, destroying dunes and seabeds. A case is before court. While it is pending, they stage protests demanding tractor use. Laws and regulations prohibit tractors. We are ready to discuss their issues, but we must act under the law. Our goal is fair sharing of marine resources. Do not pursue illegal methods; present your reasonable demands lawfully—we stand ready to help.