The special identity card issued to fishermen by the Navy will not be essential in the future, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development Rajitha Senaratne said.

“The fishermen used to have two identity cards in their possession, issued by the Ministry and the Navy. Only the card issued by the ministry will be necessary from now on. But still the Navy can examine fishing boats and gears at anytime,” the minister said.

As a result of the continuous requests received by the fishermen the decision had been made at a special discussion held at the Ministry between the Minister and the Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage.

In the past few weeks several fishermen who were engaged in fishing with illegal fishing gear in the North and the Eastern provinces had been taken into custody by the Navy.

Accordingly action had been taken to arrest fishermen in other areas also who are engaged in fishing with illegal fishing gear.  

Further the ministry asked for the cooperation of the Fishermen in the inspections. (Darshana Sanjeewa)