April 19, 2007
Dear Friends,
The Southern Fisheries Organization protested in Ratgama, Sri
Lanka, to demand that the government enforce laws against illegal
fishing.
On March 27, 2007, Southern Fisheries Organization (SFO), a
partner organization of Praja Abilasha, organized a continuous
satyagraha (protest) in Ratgama, Sri Lanka. The fishermen
of this area are demanding enforcement of the laws against illegal
fishing methods, which are harmful to the environment, the sustainability
of fish stock, the social and economic life of the people, and
their livelihood. Some of these illegal fishing methods include
the use of high voltage lights in the water, dynamite, and fishing
nets that are destructive to the fish, their eggs, and the coral.
Southern Fisheries Organization has faced these problems since
1997, when they began to support the fight for small fishermen
and against the use of destructive fishing nets and high voltage
lights by mudalalis (rich fishermen). Though they discussed these
issues with the Ministry of Fisheries in 1998, no change in the
law was made. SFO continued to organize fishermen in the southern
coastal areas of Sri Lanka to protest to the government about
the disregard of these illegal fishing methods.
In 2000, they believed some progress had been made when the government
issued a document claiming that certain fishing methods were illegal
and laws would be enforced to rid these methods from the sea.
But these laws were not enforced, and the government continued
to support the mudalalis by turning a blind eye to their actions.
On October 18, 2006, many fisher leaders met with the Ministry
of Fisheries to testify that these illegal fishing practices continued
to be used in the sea and must come to an end, for the sake of
the fisherfolk and their livelihood. After this meeting, the Minister
of Fisheries ordered immediate action, declaring that police stations
should take all fishermen who violate the conditions of the Fisheries
Act into custody, as well as their equipment, whether they are
on land or sea.
When three illegal boats were caught in the sea on March 19,
2007, by the Navy, which has ties with the SFO, they were immediately
taken to the government for custody. But after some time the government
released the boats and their owners, only issuing a warning, and
dismissing the law that they had just reinstated months ago. This
is what caused the SFO to begin their protest.
National Fisheries Solidarity convener Herman Kumara explains
the protest signs.
On March 30, 2007, National Fisheries Solidarity (NAFSO) convener,
Herman Kumara, called on other NAFSO organizations to support
SFO and become involved in the struggle, which other coastal areas
in Sri Lanka also face. Groups from Kaluthara, Matara, Galle,
and Puttalam, who are also partners in the Praja Abilasha network,
have participated in this protest and have helped give strength
to the day and night demonstration at the SFO office headquarters.
The fisher leaders organized a protest in front of the Ministry
of Fisheries in Colombo on Monday, April 9, 2007. Fishery organizations,
many from Praja Abilasha, came from all over Sri Lanka to support
and participate in this event. Some of the top fisher leaders
met with the ministers to discuss the situation and the need for
a change in the enforcement of the laws. The six points on which
they are focusing are
- to bring an end to joint ventures by asking for the removal
of legal and illegal foreign vessels in the sea, as they are
destroying the income and resources of the local fishermen
- to ban the agreement with the Maldives Company, which would
allow Maldives fishermen to fish in their waters, thus taking
the local Sri Lankan fishermen’s fish
- to set a reasonable and fair price for fish
- to continue to ban destructive and illegal fishing methods
- to reduce fuel prices
- to show respect for and value the traditional fishermen’s
knowledge of the sea.
The dialogue continues, as the first meeting was not as productive
as they had hoped. The ministers did agree to cancel the Memorandum
of Understanding between the Ministry and the Maldives, which
cancels the fishing licenses of the Maldives fishermen and does
not allow them to fish in Sri Lankan waters. The Ministry also
agreed to give higher priority to the local Sri Lankan fishermen
for the fish that they catch and bring to the harbor for the market.
Though these are significant moves toward progress, the Ministry
did not agree to cancel the fishing licenses of fishing vessels
from foreign corporations and will continue to support these joint
ventures.
Fishermen protest at the Ministry of Fisheries in Colombo, Sri
Lanka, on April 9, 2007.
The fishermen, and those who support them, are not satisfied
with these minimal changes and have begun to form unions and organizations
based around harbor areas. This is to build strength and support
as a joint front against the foreign fishing vessels.
The struggle continues and more meetings have been planned. Praja
Abilasha is now in the discerning process of how we can support
this issue and any future action that will occur. We have not
yet discovered a solution, but as the fishermen and their livelihoods,
especially after the tsunami, are one of our main concerns, and
we hope to actively become.
When speaking to some fishermen at the protest in Ratgama about
the violations of the law, it was said that the “law was
sleepy.” One fishermen said that “if we want fruit,
then we need a tree. But here, they are eating the tree too, so
how can we survive?”
Let’s hope a “tree” can be planted and grow
for these fishermen soon.
Peace,
Chenoa Stock
Companionship Facilitator
Joining Hands – Sri Lanka
I have many more Sri
Lanka photos. Email me with questions. I’d be delighted
to answer. |
