February 08, Colombo (LNW): A satyagraha campaign organised by fishermen calling for the removal of restrictions on tractor-powered winches used in Madel, or seine net, fishing has entered its fourth day today (08).
The protest began on February 05 outside the Presidential Secretariat, with participation from seine fishermen representing a number of coastal communities, including Mullaitivu and Kokilai. Protesters say the ban has severely affected their livelihoods, limiting their ability to carry out traditional fishing practices.
According to the demonstrators, several rounds of discussions have taken place with officials from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as well as representatives of the Presidential Secretariat. However, they claim the talks ended without any concrete outcome or assurances.
In the absence of a satisfactory response from the authorities, the fishermen have decided to continue their non-violent protest indefinitely, vowing to maintain the satyagraha until their demands are addressed.
