NAFSO 25 years Celebrations,After 25 years of challenges, based on the proud theme of strengthening the Small-Scale fisherman and food sovereignty through justice, the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) celebrated World Fisheries Day and celebrate the 25th anniversary of our movement in November 2022.

After 25 years of challenges, based on the proud theme of strengthening the Small-Scale fisherman and food sovereignty through justice, the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) celebrated World Fisheries Day and celebrate the 25th anniversary of our movement in November 2022. On the 20th, a ceremony was held at the Negombo Municipal Council Auditorium.

Before the ceremony, fishermen, fisherwomen, farmers, plantation people, workers, human rights activists, civil activists and members of civil organizations were held on the entrance road to St. Sebastian's Church, Katuwapitiya, Negombo, from the city of Negombo to Negombo Municipality. This massive march was organized demanding sustainable solutions to the various problems faced by the people in the country.
After the protest march arrived at the Negombo Municipal Council premises, the work of the festival officially began. First, religious blessings were received and the guests lit up the festival hall and lit the lamps. The tradition of liting the oil lamp was done by Mr. John Cyril, one of the founders of the NAFSO, and  Reverend Osward Firth, the former director of Zedek Institute, and it was an occasion that lit up our anniversary assembly. 

Then the youth group of Sri Vimukti Fishermen Women's Organization presented the welcome dance, and Miss Deepa Subhashini, Coordinator of Sri Vimukti Fisher Women's Organization, did the welcome speech.  Mr. Pradeep Wanigasuriya, the administrative secretary of the NAFSO announced the Year of Small-Scale  World Fisheries Day and the 25th commemorative proclamation of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement. A video was shown on the proud journey of 25 years of the NAFSO.
Reverend Osward Firth, former director of the Sedek Institute gave a speech.

The current chancellor of Sagara University, Honorable Oska Amarasinghe, presented his views on the third party's vision of the Fishing Peoples Mission of the NAFSO Movement.

Then Mr. A.K. Jamaldeen, Chairman of the National Fishermen's Professional Association of the NAFSO, made a brief presentation on the title of "The Minority Fisherman in the Blue Economy".

A beautiful song was presented by a group of refugees from Negombo. 

Then Mr. Francis Joseph, the former vice president of the Northern Province Fishermen's Association, presented his views on the future of the small-scale fisherman. 

The book titled ‘Let's Overcome the Impact of the Minority Fishermen in the Blue Economy through  Justice’ was launched and the introduction of the book was made by Mr. Nalaka Rosairo, Policy and Impact Coordinator of the NAFSO.

A video titled ‘The contribution of NAFSO in the process of building national unity and harmony was screened. Mrs. Nelumka Weerakkodi, Chairperson of the National Women's Federation, presented her views on the contribution of the NAFSO to the empowerment of women in its twenty-five-year journey, 

The book Titled ‘John Cyril, who was a traditional fisherman of Negombo written by Manjula Wediwardena was launched and lawyer Vincent Bulathsinghala made an introduction about the book. 

Mr. Herman Kumara, the National convenor of the NAFSO, presented his views on going beyond twenty-five years through the past experiences of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement.

The video of the Youth Movement for Environmental and Social Change was shown the contribution of the youth movement to protect national resources.
The 10-year members of the NAFSO were evaluated and certificates were awarded under the initiative of Mr Herman Kumara.

The thanksgiving speech of Mr. Priyankara Costa, Coordinator of the Community Aspirations NAFSO, marked the end of the function of the festival.