Douglas Devananda, Secretary General of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party and Minister of Fisheries, said that if I make a mistake, I apologize and correct it.
He said this while raising a question about illegal seaweed farms during a press conference held today at the head office of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party in Yali. He further stated,
“I am not a politician who is playing politics with people to maintain political existence. I have already planned and accomplished many things for the future of the people and will continue to do so.
Cuddalatti Farms
I don’t know if some people are talking about Cuddalatti Farms with knowledge or as if they are ignorant.
In the Northern Province, about 1150 acres of sea card farms are being implemented while plans have already been made to expand sea card farms in about 5000 acres. Before I became the minister, 18 farms were found in Kilinochchi district, 11 farms in Jaffna district and 3 farms in Mannar district.
277 farms have been set up in Kilinochchi district after I took office as minister and 163 more farms are to be set up. 245 farms have been set up in Jaffna district and 176 more farms are to be set up and 78 farms have been set up in Mannar district and more farms are to be set up.
Chinese soldiers at sea card farm
The media reported that the presence of Chinese troops in the Cotton Island sea card farm posed a threat to India’s national security. Those farms have nothing to do with China.
The Chinese have already arrived at the sea cucumber hatchery breeding station at Ariyalai in Nallakki Govt. Apart from the Chinese who are there, no one has ever been involved in sea farm operations in the north. Sea farms are established on an adaptive basis in areas scientifically confirmed by NARA and the Department of Fisheries. The permits are issued in an adaptive manner so as not to waste the time required to obtain the permits through proper procedures.
However, if anyone arbitrarily sets up marine farms without permits, they will be removed. Currently, 95% of the farms that have been created are set up by local fish farmers.
Interested in making investments in marine farms
But countries like India and China are showing interest in investing in marine farms. Thus, I have imposed a condition on those who approached me that we must produce two and a half million sea urchins annually. Whoever they are, the next steps will be taken only if they fulfill the needs and expectations of our people.
According to me, if the question is raised whether it is India or China, I will say India and the development projects for the people dependent on the sea will be implemented quickly and efficiently’, he further said.