Both the UNP and JVP yesterday hailed the performance of Minister of Fisheries Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, stating that the minister had fearlessly confronted the mafia in the fisheries sector.

UNP Gampaha District MP Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene, speaking yesterday during the committee stage debate in the House, said that Dr. Senaratne had done a good job in eradicating this menace by working together with other ministries, including the ministry of defene. He pointed out that the Fisheries Corporation too had become a dynamic organization after the current minister took over. Dr. Jayawardne however warned that diplomatic ties alone could not resolve the crisis between the Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen and stressed that the support of the clergy should be sought to this end.

JVP MP Sunil Handunetti also hailed the achievements of the new fisheries minister for getting rid of the mafia which had a hold on the fisheries industry. “We in the opposition have been criticizing the government for not taking measures to eradicate this menace before. However, Dr. Seneratne had succeeded in neutralizing their effectiveness and given fishermen hope so they could earn more for their families,” he said.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka