NAFSO Celebatred World Fisheries Day..
NAFSO Celebrated the World Fisheries Day at Hindu Cultural Center in Trincomalee with an attendance of around 1000 participants including fishermen, fisher women, youth groups representing 12 district today.
Susantha Punchinilame, Deputy Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic resources attended the event lightning oil lamp as distinguish guest on the occasion.
“Although we had a sea around the country, fish productions are still being imported from other countries” said the deputy minister .He further pointed out that, the main reason for importing fish production was continued war. But no war any more it was over, now we can figure out this matter to develop our fisheries industry addressing fishermen at WFD.
But T. Kamalaraajan, representing ‘Jaffna district Fisher communities’ said,
"We do not feel any freedom even after 18 months of war ended,and who ever said that there is a Freedom in the country. We are living like an open prison.
Still, there are high security zones, still continuing pass system. Indian trawlers are still coming to our waters and destroy the sea. That is one of the major dangers to our lives. When do we overcome these issues with the help of the southern brothers and sisters?"
"We need to unite as small producers to produce our right to life and livelihoods. We need to live as citizens of the country and not as voters who are going behind politicians for personal benefits. This WFD is important to us as one of the most oppressive groups of fisher people work together for build up their future” said Herman Kumara, National Convener of National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO).
At the end of the WFD event, fisher leaders were awarded for their great service given to the fisheries industry and protecting ocean resources.
Trincomalee District fisheries Solidarity organized this 14th World Fisheries Day under the guidance of National Fisheries Solidarity Movement Based on “Let’s establish a sustainable peace, building a national economy & securing heritage of farmers, fishers, and labors” as the main theme of the 14th World Fisheries Day.
By: Shamith Roshan
