Eastern Oaths: Between Storm, Sand, and Sovereignty
In the shifting hush between monsoon winds and salt-kissed shores, a solemn pledge arises forged not in speeches alone, but in the lived tides of those who cast their nets with hope. From Trincomalee to Potuvil, where the ocean is both mother and mirror, illegal currents have stirred unrest. In response, voices in Parliament have echoed the anguish of the eastern coast, binding storm to sovereignty in a renewed covenant of protection, vigilance, and resolve.
The Government has implemented a series of proactive measures to address escalating concerns about illegal fishing activities along the eastern coastal region spanning Trincomalee to Potuvil.
Hon. MP Athambawa had previously submitted a formal letter to the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ramalingum Chandrasekar, and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), drawing attention to the adverse impacts of illegal fishing practices on both the livelihoods of coastal communities and the fragile marine ecosystem.
This urgent concern was formally taken up during an adjournment debate in Parliament on 5 June 2025, where Deputy Minister Jayasekara acknowledged the severity of the issue and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to maritime security and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
Following this, Major General Jayasekara (Retd) held strategic discussions with the Navy Commander and senior naval officials. These high-level consultations focused on intensified surveillance operations and enhanced inter-agency coordination to curb unlawful activities across the vulnerable coastal expanse.
A pivotal gathering was convened on 19 June at Parliament, bringing together the Minister of Fisheries, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Members of Parliament from both government and opposition, senior officials from the Sri Lanka Navy, Coast Guard, Police, Attorney General’s Department, Ministry of Fisheries, and representatives from local fishermen cooperative societies.
Participants emphasized the urgent necessity of a multi-tiered response to protect both marine resources and the dignity of coastal livelihoods. The dialogue culminated in a blueprint for a phased approach — combining immediate enforcement actions, medium-term regulatory oversight, and long-term strategic frameworks to eradicate illegal fishing practices from Sri Lanka’s eastern waters.
As waves continue their eternal dialogue with the shore, this national commitment — born of parliamentary conscience and coastal outcry — now stands as a testament to the Eastern region’s resilience. Between storm, sand, and sovereignty, a new oath has been cast into the tide.
