Q: Minister, what is the latest on the X – Press Pearl disaster? We know that this marine disaster has impacted the coastal environment, the water quality, the ocean’s biodiversity, fisheries, seafood industry and the livelihoods of the fishing communities?
A: Yes. That certainly was an unfortunate situation. It was an unexpected and unfortunate event. But because of the Government’s cleverness and good handling of the situation, we are now getting the fourth installment of the compensation. So the cases are now ongoing and hopefully we will get reasonable compensation.
Q: How do we prevent a disaster like this happening again in our waters? What lessons should we learn from a disaster like this?
A: We need to be very vigilant in the future. We have been affected very badly and we need to come out of this. Hereafter we must be prepared. Henceforth, knowing such a situation might arise in the future, we need to be on guard.
Q: When examining the fisheries industry, what are the challenges or difficulties our country faces and how do you as the Minister of Fisheries plan on addressing or solving these issues?
 Minister of Fisheries
Douglas Devananda
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A: There is no shortage of fuel. But the price of the fuel is a problem. Because of this, the small boat owners and the multi-day boat owners are facing problems. They want the price to be reduced. At this juncture it is difficult to reduce the prices. There are 5,000 registered multi-day boats and 27,000 small boats. The small boats normally use kerosene. The multi-day boats use diesel. So because of the current situation they are facing immense problems when it comes to their livelihoods. Approval has been granted to award licenses to China’s Sinopec, Australia’s United Petroleum and RM Parks of the USA, to enter the fuel retail market in Sri Lanka. So because of that prices may come down. So far it has been the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation that is bringing in the fuel. So there are dollar problems. If these foreign companies come in there will be no dollar issues or capital issues. Then prices may come down. At the same time, we are looking at alternative ways. Recently we had a trial run. If you take the small boats, when they go fishing they have to spend around Rs. 5,000 – 15,000 on Kerosene daily. Now we are looking into battery motors. That will cost Rs. 200 – 800 daily. We are also looking at alternative ways when it comes to Multi-day boats. We are looking at solar power and wind power. The reason that the license has been given to these three companies is because in the future there will not be any shortage of fuel. Then the prices also will come down. Also when it comes to post harvesting, there are issues. Through the NARA research centre we are looking at reducing the post-harvest losses. The multi-day boats are experiencing post-harvest loss. In order to reduce that we have found a cooling system. We are also giving ice boxes.
Q: When looking at employment in the fisheries sector, what is the scope? What is the potential?
A: This is directly related to the previous question. Once we get everything in order, automatically we will get more livelihood opportunities. At the same time we are giving training in the fisheries sector and they can go abroad.
Q: Sri Lanka is an island, surrounded by water. Our seafood is an area we must look at when it comes to exports. Because exports bring in the much needed foreign exchange. How do we capitalize on this sector? How do we compete with other countries?
A: Now because of the Post Harvesting losses and prices there are some issues when it comes to exports. Other countries can export for lower prices. They did not have as many problems as us. Once we rectify these issues we can progress in the market. At the same time, we are trying to promote innovative ways. We want to give training to the youth. In the ocean we catch fish, and then there is our aquaculture. We have prawn farms and Muhudu Kudella farms. Muhudu Kudella is like black gold. We are breeding them in Sri Lanka. We are earning a lot of foreign exchange through this.
Q: What about education and training in the fisheries sector? What kind of training programs is your ministry conducting to train those who want to enter this sector? How are you trying to attract the youth to the fisheries sector?
A: So as I said in the previous questions we are giving training on how to fish, using the nets and how to use the latest technology. I think the youth will get attracted if there is more revenue. More pay means more people will join this sector.
Q: What is the latest technology you are using in the fisheries sector?
A: As I said we are looking at using battery motors. It all depends on the success of the trial run. Also as I mentioned earlier through the NARA research centre we are looking at reducing Post Harvest loss. So through cooling facilities we are looking at reducing the post-harvest loss. The multi-day boats go fishing for 30 or 40 days. When they come back, if there is no proper cooling system, the condition of the fish gets spoiled. When introducing the new cooling system, then the fish is properly preserved to the maximum level.
Q: What do you think of the IMF bailout? Do you feel that Sri Lanka is out of the woods? That we are out of our difficulties and troubles?
A: There was no other way. The IMF bailout was necessary. It is only because of the IMF bailout that we are now able to survive. Maybe in one and half years we will completely overcome our problems and issues. Several other countries faced similar problems. Even they went to the IMF. Everyone thought the country would collapse. It is because of the President’s excellent handling of the situation that we have now progressed.
Q: These days everyone is talking about the forthcoming Sri Lankan Presidential Election. You are the Leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party. What do you anticipate at this Presidential Election? What are your predictions?
A: The present President at this juncture is the ideal leader who can truly lead this country. Before he became the president I openly supported him. In a short period, he has achieved a lot and he has proved that he is the leader we need. Many people thought that the IMF bailout will not help us. But it has. Some in the Opposition did not want the IMF to work. Our President Ranil Wickremesinghe tactfully handled all of this. The rupee has appreciated. The Cost of Living has gone down. Earlier there were fuel and gas queues. Now all of this has gradually got better. There are no fuel and gas queues now. There are no daily power cuts now. We have overcome those problems. This is all because of his leadership. It is only because of him. Now even the Aragalaya has also come to a halt. Tourism is also booming now. There is more foreign employment. More Sri Lankans are going abroad and more foreign exchange is coming in. Our president is also very diplomatic, and at this juncture he is the only leader who can lead the country as President and take the country forward.
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