Monday, 8 July 2013 00:16
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Mobile texts are being enthusiastically sent by the Met Department warning fishermen not to venture out to sea but it would seem that the government is far less devoted to fulfilling their part of the bargain and releasing the compensation that was promised and sorely needed.
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 8 June inclement weather that hit the Southwest of the country. The 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.
They also contend that the compensation is wholly inadequate and that the Government needs to have a more comprehensive assistance process in place, especially considering that incompetence on the part of the Met Department and other Government officers was the reason that the weather warning was not disseminated effectively. All accountability has so far been swept under the carpet along with ways to make the Met Department more competent.
The Government, ever addicted to hoopla, is planning to disburse the compensation during a ceremony at Temple Trees on Tuesday; one month after the deaths. Not even transport means are being provided for the bereaved family members who have been summoned to sit through empty speeches and hollow words of sympathy.
Authorities need to understand the meaning of the word “emergency” and be aware of the worth of what they are handing out before they brag about it to the public. How far will Rs. 100,000 go for families with multiple children who have been robbed of their only source of income forever? At best Rs. 100,000 will support them for six months yet there is no plan to help them find an alternative livelihood.
Unsurprisingly, fishermen organisations are also demanding 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 larger amounts of money from the 2014 Budget to be dedicated to the fishing industry.
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 insists the new system would warn fishermen of inclement weather conditions 48 hours before they hit. There are also plans to use the system to warn fishermen before they cross the maritime boundary line. From the beginning to next year all fishermen will have to sign up for an insurance scheme and possess a life jacket before registering their vessel.
Progressive as these steps are on is forced to wonder whether they are enough. At a point when the government is committing to billions of dollars in loans, the reluctance to allocate money for a vessel management system that could save hundreds of lives is disappointing. There are also large gaps in investment, focus on sustainable fishing, exports that benefit fishermen and distribution channels.
Despite having vast potential, Sri Lanka’s fishing industry is still under a yellow card from the European Union, a position that could seriously dent lucrative exports. Looking at the big picture it would seem that everyone is fishing in dangerous waters.
