No to Violation of International Maritime Boundaries!

NAFSO launched a poster campaign and also a distribution of leaflets campaign at Beruwala and Negombo areas in relation to violation of international maritime boundaries of Sri Lankan Multi Day Boat operators. Sri Vimukthi Fisher Women Organization launched the Negombo area campaign while Kalutara District Fisheries Solidarity Organization and Southern Fisheries Organization Galle launched the poster and leaflet distribution campaign at Beruwala and Galle areas. The main aim of the poster and the leaflet is to educate multi day boat operators not to violate international maritime boundaries and their consequences, the role of government play in such situation etc. Subashinie Deepa, the coordinator of Sri Vimukthi Fisher Women Organization said, "Most of the fisher people whom we met appreciated our effort while some had some concerns of the work. But, it is very important to educate not only men, but also women as they are the most vulnerable when their bread winners are in the jails of foreign countries. So, the boat operators should know the consequences and their families should encourage the boat operators not to violate the maritime boundaries purposely." In his study, Prof. Oscar Amarasinghe of Ruhuna University has revealed that, the Sri Lankan Multi Day boat operators are violate the international maritime boundaries not because of "NEEDY". But because of their "GREEDY". The research says we have enough resources to sustain our fishing industry within our Exclusive Economic Zone and need not to cross boarders and get arrest and stay in the jails so long.