The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening infrastructure and protecting the livelihoods of Sri Lanka’s coastal communities. At the Mannar District Fisheries Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday (June 24) at the Mannar District Secretariat, key decisions were made to address persistent challenges faced by the region’s fishing communities.
Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, speaking to the media after the meeting, announced that the Government will move forward with the construction of a fully-fledged fisheries port in Pesalai, Mannar District. Slated for implementation in 2026, the project will be funded with assistance from the World Bank and is expected to significantly uplift the local fisheries sector and associated infrastructure.
“There is currently no designated fisheries port in Mannar. This project will address a long-standing gap. We recognize the concerns some locals may have and urge officials, including the Government Agent and other stakeholders, to actively engage with the community to highlight the port’s economic and social benefits,” Minister Chandrasekar stated.
Addressing another pressing issue, the Minister discussed the illegal entry of Indian fishermen into Sri Lankan waters, expressing confidence in the ongoing efforts to combat the problem. He highlighted the coordinated actionbeing taken by the Sri Lanka Navy, government ministries, and through diplomatic channels to prevent further encroachment.
“The concerns of our fishing communities are well understood. The Government, along with the Navy, is implementing targeted strategies to halt these illegal activities. I’m confident that we’ll be able to fully curtail cross-border intrusions in the near future,” he added.
The Minister also addressed the matter of lands previously acquired by the Navy, confirming that discussions are underway to resolve the issue and return appropriate lands to their original owners where possible.
Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage, who was also in attendance, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continued community outreach in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, ensuring that the grievances of fishing communities are systematically addressed through district and provincial mechanisms.
“The establishment of the Pesalai port marks a pivotal step in our broader mission to empower fishing communities and strengthen maritime livelihoods,” Gamage noted.
Representatives from Mannar’s fishing community welcomed the Government’s proactive measures, particularly efforts by the Sri Lanka Navy to combat illegal fishing, and expressed appreciation for the transparent approach taken by authorities.
The meeting was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the Additional Secretary of the Ministry, Mannar District Government Agent, Divisional Secretaries, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Police, environmental organisations, and representatives from key fisheries-related institutions such as the Sri Lanka Fisheries Ports Corporation, Sri Lanka Fisheries Corporation, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), and the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA).