Dr Sarath Obeysekera

This is about Lihiniya Boat Builders, a boatyard in Paraliya near Ambalangoda, engaged in building multi-day fiberglass fishing boats.

The owner, Mr. Chanaka, is a young entrepreneur trained at Ocean University. He first worked in the steel sector at my shipyard and later ventured into the FRP (fiberglass) boat-building industry on his own initiative.

I personally visited his yard and clearly observed that:

• The yard has technical capability
• There is strong potential for growth
• What is lacking is state support, not commitment or skill

Key Issues:

• The yard urgently needs state assistance, especially financial support without collateral, through the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Industries
• He was officially promised replacement IMUL numbers for dilapidated boats removed from Galle Fishery Harbour
• Acting on this assurance, he transported the old boats to his yard
• However, approval to build the replacement boats is being delayed by the Department of Fisheries
• The Director of Fisheries – Galle is reportedly diverting these orders to large, established builders, citing various excuses
• Alarmingly, two IMUL numbers originally allocated to this yard were quietly reassigned to another big timer”
• This points to apparent corrupt practices within the system

Mr. Chanaka states that he can provide evidence of collusion and unfair treatment.

Appeal:

Under the new government, such small and capable entrepreneurs must be protected and encouraged, not sidelined.

If the fisheries sector is to be truly reformed, the Department must be shaken free of favoritism and corruption.

Dear Hon. Minister,

We, as supporters of fair development and local industry, should stand by and help this young boat builder.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera