Seine fishermen settle near the Presidential Secretariat

The protest Satyagraha launched by the Madel fishing community near the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo was ongoing for the sixth consecutive day yesterday (10). This protest has been launched demanding the lifting of the ban imposed by the current government on the Madel fishing industry, which uses winches attached to tractors.

It was observed yesterday that not only fishermen but also their family members, children, and other supporting parties were participating in this Satyagraha.

Fishermen's representatives emphasized that they have not yet received a fair solution or a proper response from the authorities regarding their problem. They also warned that if the government continues to evade this crisis, they will soon launch a massive series of protests, uniting fishing families across the entire island. Over the past few days, various politicians and other groups visited the site, encouraging and supporting the fishermen engaged in the Satyagraha.

However, authorities have taken steps to ban this fishing method, stating that the mechanical method causes severe damage to coral reefs and the marine ecosystem. Meanwhile, commenting on the current situation, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Ratna Gamage, stated that a case filed by the Madel fishermen is scheduled to be called on the 27th of this month. Therefore, he further mentioned that there is no possibility of holding a discussion before that date.