Shiyam’s meeting with select fishermen sparks tensions; some fishers barred from Velaanaage vicinity
A delegation of fishermen from the union arrived at the Velaanaage vicinity for a meeting with the minister at 11am on Monday. However, the minister made it clear that he would only meet with 20 fishermen, identified as key figures within the union.
A delegation of fishermen from the union arrived at the Velaanaage vicinity for a meeting with the minister at 11am on Monday; police pushed some of the fishermen away from the area.
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has met with a select group of fishermen representing the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen’s Union after five days since the peaceful protests advocating for their rights unfolded.
A delegation of fishermen from the union arrived at the Velaanaage vicinity for a meeting with the minister at 11am on Monday. However, the minister made it clear that he would only meet with 20 fishermen, identified as key figures within the union.
The remaining fishermen, who were part of the skippers’ team and wearing Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) uniforms, were subsequently instructed by the police that they were not permitted to remain in the vicinity.
The police then moved them away from the area, directing the entire group toward the People’s Majlis building.
The union had held a peaceful protest since this year’s Fishermen’s Day on December 10. The protest demands that the government fulfill its pledges to yellowfin tuna fishermen.
Participants outlined three specific demands including that the government’s fisheries company, MIFCO, begin purchasing yellowfin tuna, as promised in the current government’s manifesto; that the minimum purchasing price for tuna be set between MVR 80 and MVR 100 per kilogram; and that fishermen be provided with fuel and ice at base rates.
The protesters had made it clear that they will not end their demonstration until the government fulfills the promises made to them.
