State Min. Wedaarachchi laments inability to resolve issues of fishermen in current position

Fisheries State Minister Dilip Wedaarachchi has said that he would resign from his position if he is not granted a non-cabinet ministry which would bring  five state bodies belonging to the Ministry of Fisheries under its purview.

He made this remark during an event which was held to mark the opening of a technological laboratory at a school in the Kanjukkuliya area in Chilaw.

"I don't have the freedom to work since I am forced to work under the Secretary of Minister Harrison, who has been appointed as the subject minister for fisheries. Therefore, I have requested Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to grant me a non-cabinet ministry which will control five fisheries bodies," the State Minister told local media.

Mr. Wedaarachchi observed that there have been four ministers and secretaries each over the last four years. "None of these individuals have been able to resolve the problems of the fishermen," he claimed.

The Fisheries State Minister proceeded to point out that there are about 2.5 million people in the fishing industry. He noted that these people face several difficulties while obtaining their fishing permits since the Fisheries Ministry has failed to address this issue. 

Accordingly, he claimed that he would resolve these issues since he too is engaged in the fisheries industry and therefore understands the problems faced by the fishing community.