We have only God to tell all these! No one else help us for our survival-Says Fishermen at Kudamaduwella beach

Fisher people living in Thoduwawa, Kudamaduwella, Barudalpola, Iranawila villages organized a religious event on 23rd at Kudamaduwella beach ground. This is an extension of the protest they organized at Thoppuwa, Kochchikade on 17th December. The protestors demanded 4 main points and the politicians who approached people promised to make arrangements to meet President the same day. But, this was also another broken promise to the people as those politicians could not keep the promise to meet president. It was only Fisheries minister Rajitha Senarathne met the people and there was no any satisfactory answer for their issues. For the foreign fishing vessels, he had projected the possibility to remove Chinese Vessels from the Sea by end of May only. But, it is with a condition. If President agree to remove vessels he can take the necessary steps and there is no any assurance. For the release of Sri Lankan fishermen who are detained in Indian jails, it is foreign ministry's responsibility and not the fisheries ministry. So, Rajitha Senarathne had put the ball in to the hands of Deputy foreign minister Neomal Perera who was present at the meeting. So, there is no clear answer for any of the issues the fishers raised. Now, people have decided to do all possible attempts to find a solution. Religious activities amidst the Christmas Celebrations are one among others. Around, 800 people gathered at the religious event and the Parish Priest at Kudamaduwella church lead the prayer service. Loyel Peiris, the Coordinator of Puttlam District Solidarity addressed the gathering and expressed the deep concern over the ineffectiveness of the authorities and the necessity to take speedy steps to find solutions for the issues raised by the people. Loyel Peiris mentioned that we need to organize island wide campaign with the participation of Small Scale Fishers, Boat owners, civil society organizations and political groups to protest against the authorities to take speedy actions. After the religious event, NAFSO convener, met the boat owners, some fisher leaders and discussed what would be the next possible steps to push the authorities for effective actions while organizing fisheries organizations island wide. The possible date discussed was the commemoration of Anthony Fernando, the assassinated fisher leader during the Fuel Struggle on 15th February, 2012. Herman