Colombo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - For two months the beaches of the islands of Mohoththuvarama, Uchchimune, Keerimundel and Baththalangunduwav (Kalpitiya archipelago, north-western province) have been fenced with barbed wire to prevent access to local fishermen, who are unable to work . This has serious consequences for these communities, whose livelihoods depend completely on fishing.
After the case of fishermen of Negombo lagoon, who fought a bitter campaign against a Seaplane project, new government tourism projects are threatening the livelihoods of other communities in Sri Lanka.
"We have lived here for generations, and every year we pay 38 dollars for permits - complains Mr. Aibu, a community leader - we do not know where to seek help, we are poor and powerless."
Herman Kumara, secretary general of the World Forum for Fisher People (WFFP), said the Coast Conservation Department (CCD), the Ministry of Defence and Sri Lanka Tourism Body have obtained permission to fence off the beaches declaring that the fishermen are not owners of those lands, and that their fishing nets are therefore illegal.
Kumara denounced this latest case of injustice on 11 January, during a press conference in Negombo at the secretariat of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO).