The government has relaxed the ban on fishing in the north-east, thereby enabling the fishermen in Vadamarachi and other areas to commence their fishing. Earlier, following the establishment of a sea security zone and the ban on fishing in the north-east, many thousands of families of fishermen lost their livelihood and had to depend entirely on government ration and relief.

As a result, many fishermen, who couldn’t bear the burden, had to flee to Tamil Nadu with their families.

On the other hand, there was a scarcity for sea food and the middle class people were severely affected. During the 4 years, when there had been peace and when the CFA was properly observed, the situation was different. Enough sea food was available and transport of sea food from the north-east was no problem.

The lorries, that bring the sea food from Vavuniya and Mannar, are not allowed to proceed beyond Mathavachi. This arrangement has caused great inconvenience and loss, since the sea food gets spoiled due to the delay. There are transport problems that the fishermen face in the north–east.

Now that the government has relaxed the ban on fishing in the north-east, it must take steps to find a market for the catch in the north-east. Otherwise, the relaxing of the ban on fishing in the north-east will not be meaningful.

While tightening security, it must be borne in mind that there should be no stress caused to the citizens.

An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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