Negombo fishermen conducted several token protests at Negombo and Chilaw areas recently. Dialogue between fishermen and minister of fisheries were conducted. No successful response received up to now. GOSL increased fuel price 35 LKR/ LITRE overnight and put the fisher people's livelihood in danger. As a result of continuous struggle of fishing communities, GOSL had to promise a fuel subsidy though the fisher people rejected the same strongly. Finally, the subsidy was given 15 months ago for certain places. GOSL is now attempt to cut the subsidy fully and give material subsidy once and for all which is worth of 108,000 LKR for a OBM 18 feet boat.
Today Negombo fisher peoole were cobducted a mass at Sea street church and a protest march from Sea street to Negombo mhnicipal council . Then they conducted a continuous protest at a place in the municipal grounds. There demand is very clear. " No more cheating! Need clear answer for fuel Crisis"
In the evening we overheard that the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has sent a message to the protestorrs saying "We are with fisher people. We mediate to find a solution after discussing with the President."
However, the fisher people continue their Sathyagraha at Negombo at the moment too.
The time now is 8.00 pm on 16th June.
We do hope people will continue their struggle until they receive effective answer.
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