Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara criticized Finance Ministry officials, accusing them of acting without understanding how to protect the fishermen and the fisheries industry.
Speaking at a meeting held at his ministry on Wednesday, Minister Nanayakkara highlighted the lack of a viable program by Finance Ministry officials to safeguard fishermen and develop the country’s fisheries sector. He emphasized that these actions indicate a lack of understanding of the valuable contribution made by the fisheries sector to the country’s economy.
The meeting, part of the “Garu Saru” program initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, aimed to uphold the dignity, security, and professional status of those in the informal economic sector. Minister Nanayakkara, hailing from the Galle district, expressed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by the fisheries industry professionals.
Addressing the broader issue of social divisions, the minister stated that the ministry’s main program seeks to ensure dignity, security, and professional status for the 6 million workers in the informal sector. He invited input from fishermen to shape regulations for the industry, emphasizing the need for professional development and the creation of a social security mechanism for workers.
While acknowledging that fisheries matters fall under the Ministry of Fisheries, Minister Nanayakkara asserted that his ministry works towards safety and dignity for workers. He criticized the taxation system, pointing out that imported fish incurs lower taxes than locally produced fish. The minister concluded by highlighting the importance of safety tools and regulations for reducing accidents in the industry, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with other institutions to implement necessary safety measures.