Intervene immediate and long term solutions for Indian Trawler Invasion issue

Indian Trawler invasion in to SL waters and sufferings of SL fishermen and the continuous grievances of fishermen in the Northern, North/Western and Eastern provinces are common and perpetuate problem in SL now. Efforts are futile and both Indian and Sri Lankan governments use fishermen's issues to maintain their power. On one way the SL politicians say about sovereignty, protect international maritime boundary, not to allow other countries to interference of our state affairs,on the other way, release Indian fishermen and boats held in Sri Lankan custody immediately after India take absentee position on Resolution on Sri Lanka in Geneva, allow Indian trawlers to come and spend at Katchchativu after the resolution adopted with out Indian Government support/ So, it is clear at least concern few people how the politicians treat people's sensitive issues of Life and Livelihoods. Building up of a strong social movement is a burnning issue with strong sense of solidarity among north, south, east, north/west together with all working class people. There was a wider representation from all most all the parts of the country and we discussed the issues related to this in detail and there was a wider consent among participants, we need to do some thing important and which will "Feel" by the authorities. North- South solidarity is vital importance and it was demonstrated at the meeting today.

It was focused the attention that the issue was not only related to Northern province though they are directly hit by this and all most all the country suffer as the coastal communities are depending on the fish stocks in the South Bar and Wedge bar. So, the group decided to work both long term and immediate short term basis. So, the following actions being agreed at the meeting. 1. The joint May day organized by FTZ Solidarity Movement will be one platform to raise the issue immediately. 2. A leaflet distribution, launch signature campaign based on the demands and basic principles emerged at today meeting to address the issues of Indian trawler issue on 30th June at Colombo with 100 people. 3. In the Month of June [Probably towards end of the Month- date yet to be decided] a massive protest campaign to be launched based on Indian trawler issue, Fuel Price issue and also the Land issue. 4. A joint committee appointed to run the campaign which will be planned the program and run long term basis. Your valuable contribution to this process is highly appreciated. Please register the dates. May 1 and May 30.

Recorded Fish Catch from Chilaw

It was reported that there was a recorded fush catch to beach seine operation in Iranawila area.
One beach seine owners catch was recorded around 10,000 Kg of Seer fish, which is one of nutritious and high market value fish in the area.
This is very important sign for fishermen as this is an indicator of fish stocks moving close to the shore.
Recent past even in February and March the small scale fishermen gaf agitated demanding resume the payment of fuel subsidy which was stopped more than one year now.
During the western provincial council elections Negombo fishermen were planned to conduct hunger strike demanding government promised fuel subsidy again.
If the fish stocks are moving around closer to the shore the fuel cost for small scale fishermen will also reduced and can expext reasonable income for their survival.

Resume Indu-SL Fisher People Dialogue

The second round of people to people dialogue between Indian and Sri Lanka fishermen has been announced to be held in May. This dialogue was scheduled in March while the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had cancelled the dialogue claiming to release all Indian fishermen and boats before continue the second round of talks.
The Sri Lankan President had ordered to release all the Indian fishermen held in Sri Lankan jails after India had absentia at the voting of the US sponsored resolution at Geneva. Also some Sri Lankan media reported that the Indian fidhermen carried out fishing operations close to Katchchathivu island.
Now the hopes of the Sri Lankan fishermen are fading away of the dialogues and we are awaiting to see how SL authorities take actions over the Indian trawler issues.

Fisher Women Education Program at Batticoloa

The STA at Batticoloa connected to  NAFSO network through Vin Vis network based in Europe conducted a women education program at STA office today.  The group presented their achivements during tha past year with the support of Vin Vis funds through NAFSO.
There were two exchange programs conducted between women in Batticoloa and Sri Vimukthi women group in Negombo.
The main objective of the today work was to assess the progress of women's livelihood development program and to find ways to continue the program with out further support from the partners.
Also link to womem federation which NAFSO is mobilizing women in northern and southern districts.

Stop destruction of Puttlam lagoon

Hundreds of lagoon fishermen at Norochcholai came to street at Puttlam agitating against the power lines through Puttlam lagoon.
The agitators claimed that the electricity board has planned  Norochcholai power plant to bring electricity to Anuradhapura  putting up power lines along the Puttlam lagoon.
The fishermen says there will be serious damage to environment which caused the economic loss to them if the project continues.
They say the aithorities do not listen to them and give them even appointment for dialogue.
Pathmanathan, the field activist of Puttlam District Fisheries Solidarity says there should be a coordination among lagoon fishermen to overcome challenges of fishermen around Puttlam lagoon.

Resume Fuel subsidy

Small scale fishers were fighting on cut off fuel subsidy for 9 months now. There were series of agitations conducte d demanding fuel subsidy. However MOF came up with a formula saying there will be 100,000 LKR worth materials as one time payment for a small boat owner and little more for multi day boat owners.
Forms were filled. Some fishermen rejected. Some followed the govt instructions.
But on 15th Feb agitations in 4 places in Chilaw, Galle, Paanama and Jaffna the fisher people gave a clear message against subsidy cut, land grabbing, indian and chinese trawler invasion into SL waters and more. 
This was followed by the agitation of Negombo fishers and Kalmunai were clear messages of the frustrations to the government response to fisher people's issues.
Now the MOF has responded positively.  
Reports are coming that government will  provide fuel subsidy for fishermen again.