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Poster campaign demanding compensation for fishermen killed, missing on June 8
The All Ceylon Common Fisheries Federation (ACCFF) has organised a poster campaign demanding payment of compensation to families of fishermen killed or missing in the June 8 inclement weather that hit the southwest of the country. Government had earlier promised Rs 100,000 in compensation per family, but the federation charges that this money has not reached the families of the victims.
The posters that have come up
The Fisheries Dept says this money will be handed over to fishermen on Tuesday (9) at Temple Trees, one month after the disaster. Fisheries Dept director general Nimal Hettiarachchi said families have been informed of this and will be provided transport to Temple Trees.
“Officials were sent to the respective fishermen’s homes to collect details as accurate as possible. There were some problems with getting real names, because fishermen tend to use shortened names,” Hettiarachchi explained. The Federation’s National organiser Rathna Gamage added that another demand in their campaign was increased compensation of at least Rs 500,000.
“The breadwinner of each family has been taken away. They cannot live on Rs 100,000 for more than a few months. If a politician dies through tragedy, the family gets a compensation of Rs 5 million. Why do people who help put food on the table across Sri Lanka, get as little as Rs 100,000?” questioned Gamage.
Other demands include the reconstruction of destroyed fishing vessels; life jackets for each fisherman; a proper warning system for fishermen within the harbour and the anchor yard, and dry rations for family members of surviving fishermen. Furthermore, the campaign also calls for considerable amounts of money from the 2014 Budget to be dedicated to the Fishing industry.
Moratuwa resident Amila Dharshani’s husband was one of the 51 fishermen who died on June 8. For the past month, she has had no income. ACCFF secretary and brother of the deceased fisherman, Nishantha Ferdinando made inquiries from the local fisheries inspector, who had asked him to be present at Temple Trees on Tuesday to receive the compensation. “They did not give us any details of transport arrangements,” Ferdinando said.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry says a Cabinet-appointed committee is examining the feasibility of implementing a Rs 1 billion vessel management system this year. Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said the new system would warn fishermen of inclement weather conditions 48 hours before they hit.
Some Matara fishermen seen fishing in the Nilawala River since they are unable to go to sea. Pic Kishan Jeewake Jayaruk
“It relies on satellites to make these forecasts, so they will be accurate,” the minister explained. The system would also be used to warn fishing vessels in danger of trespassing maritime bordersThe minister added that, beginning Jan. 1, 2014, all fishermen will be required to have insurance and possess a life jacket, in order to register their fishing vessel.
“And without registration, a fishing vessel cannot go to sea,” Minister Senaratne said.
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