SLN's restrictions strip Mannar fishermen of livelihood- Selvam

[TamilNet, Friday, 30 December 2005, 10:50 GMT]
Mr.Selvam Adaikalanathan, Wanni district Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian Thursday appealed to Sri Lanka's President Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse by a memorandum to take immediate steps to lift the ban on using boats with 30 HP engines and restrictions in taking kerosene by fishermen of Mannar district. He said the restrictions imposed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) after the violent incidents of December 22 have deprived the livelihood of many local fishermen.

"After the abatement of recent harsh weather conditions fishermen were able to return to sea. But unfortunately after the claymore attack on December 22 in the Pallimunai Sea many fishermen's lives have been badly affected. In addition to the restrictions on the use of outboard motors, movement of kerosene, the SLN has ordered these fishermen to return from sea within a stipulated time," Mr. Adaikalanathan said in his memorandum, sources said.

Mr Adaikalanathan pointed out that fishermen have little financial resources to buy new outboard motors less than 30 HP, and that the restrictions on kerosene will prevent them from going to deep sea.

Mr Adaikalanathan has further brought to the notice of the President that fishermen who are allowed by SLN are harassed and even manhandled by security personnel stationed in other points in the shore when fishermen return.

"These fishermen are innocents and they have no hand in recent violent incidents. Wives, children and relatives of these fishermen are spending sleepless nights till they safely return from sea," Mr.Adaikalanathan said in his memorandum.

Copies of the memorandum were sent to the Fisheries Minister, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Minister, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Mannar Government Agent, and Mannar Bishop, sources said.