The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to amend the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Benefits Scheme Act, No. 23 of 1990, in order to bring it into line with the current needs of the fishing community, the Daily Mirror reported on Tuesday.
The Legal Draftsman has been instructed to prepare a Bill giving effect to the changes.
How the review came about
The need to update the Act’s provisions and regulations was identified within the fisheries administration, after which the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources appointed an Officers’ Committee to recommend suitable amendments.
The committee’s recommendations are aimed at two objectives: increasing the benefits available to fishermen who contribute to the pension scheme, and strengthening social security provision for fishermen in old age.
The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources on the basis of those recommendations.
Context
The scheme dates from 1990 and is one of the main contributory welfare arrangements available to Sri Lanka’s fishing community, a sector that is largely informal and where earnings fluctuate with weather, fuel costs and seasonal fishing bans.
No revised contribution rates or benefit levels were announced at this stage. Tuesday’s decision authorises the drafting of legislation; the specific changes will become clear when the Bill is published and placed before Parliament.
The fisheries sector has featured repeatedly in recent policy activity, including extended fishing bans off Puttalam and Pottuvil and NARA assessments of fish stocks under El Niño conditions.
Source: Daily Mirror.
