The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), led by directors Hemantha Withanage and Dilena Pathragoda, has filed a legal petition urging immediate action to ensure that the gillnet fishing industry operates in an environmentally sustainable manner, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The petition names several senior officials as respondents, including the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, its Secretary, the Director Generals of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department, Coastal Conservation Department, Wildlife Conservation Department, Central Environmental Authority (CEA), National Aquatic Resources Agency (NARA), and the Inspector General of Police.
The CEJ highlighted that mechanized fishing practices, particularly those using tractors, have caused significant damage to the ecological balance of Sri Lanka’s coastal zones.
The petition calls for strict enforcement of current laws, the promotion of environmentally friendly fishing practices, and immediate measures to ensure that gillnet and other coastal fishing activities comply fully with legal and environmental standards.
