2026-02-18 / oral_question: Oral Question - Fishery Buildings and Fisher Support

Hon. M. S. Abthul Wazeeth

2026-02-18

Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth raised a supplementary question regarding the government's ban on winch machines used by shore seine fishers, introduced to protect the coastline and environment. He acknowledged the environmental rationale but highlighted the practical hardship caused to 16 named fishers in the Ampara District, specifically at Jalaldeen Square in Pottuvil and Kudukalveli, who have lost their livelihoods as a result. He noted that without winches, each fishing operation requires hiring 30–50 labourers, creating an unsustainable labour burden. He requested that the government reconsider the ban to allow winch use in a manner that avoids environmental harm while alleviating the labour shortage and economic hardship faced by affected fishers.

Thank you, Hon. Minister. My second supplementary: A ban has been imposed on the use of winch machines by shore seine fishers to protect the coastline and environment. While we accept the environmental concern, it has created practical issues. In our Ampara District—at Jalaldeen Square in Pottuvil and at Kudukalveli—16 named fishers have lost their livelihoods and are struggling without income. With the ban on winches, each operation requires hiring about 30–50 labourers, which is difficult. Will the Government reconsider the decision, so that—without any environmental harm—winches can be used for shore seine operations to address the labour shortage and avoid hardship?