Public seminar on Palk Bay Fisheries Conflicts

The Pathfinder Foundation in association with the Centre for Indo-Lanka Studies (CILS) has organised a public seminar to discuss the Palk Bay Fisheries Conflicts and ways and means of resolving same.

This seminar is scheduled to be held on Thursday, 24 March 2011 from 2.30 p.m - 5 p.m. at the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL).

Professor Oscar Amarasinghe from the Department of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna will be delivering the keynote address, presenting his findings and proposals for long-term solutions.

Among the other speakers would be Herman Kumara, the National Convener of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) who will speak on ‘Civil society interventions to resolve Palk Bay fisheries issues.’ Joeri Scholtens, Ph.D student from the University of Ruhuna will speak on ‘Time to buy out an over capitalised trawler fleet: Understanding the Palk Bay fisheries conflicts from an Indian perspective.’ Thevaratnam, Chairman, Federation of Jaffna District Fishermen’s Association will also be presenting his observations on the issue.

The meeting will be chaired by Dr. Terney Kumara from the Faculty of Fisheries, Marine Science and Technology.

The organisation expects the open discussion to be a lively one and contribute to further improvement of policy reforms which will be sent to all Members of Parliament, relevant public servants, civil society organisations, etc. for further action.

Those who wish to participate at the public seminar can pre-register by calling 2372895/6 or e-mailing [email protected].