Pillayan’s Brother Hindering Fishermen; Shanakiyan
27-Nov-2025.
The brother of former State Minister Pillayan has allegedly blocked access to fishermen in the Valaichenai area. This matter had been previously raised.
It is unclear whether the government, in coordination with Pillayan’s support to control some local councils in the Batticaloa district, is deliberately ignoring this issue to protect him. I hope that is not the case.
Therefore, attention must be given to this matter, stated Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Tamil National Alliance MP for Batticaloa.
During the committee-level discussion in Parliament on November 26 regarding the 2026 budget allocations for the Ministries of Fisheries, Water Resources, Marine Resources, Science and Technology, and
Digital Economy, he elaborated:
The livelihoods of people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces depend primarily on fishing, agriculture, and livestock. Considering the challenges faced by fishermen during the monsoon, we had requested the construction of a bridge connecting Kaluwankeni–Punnakkuda, for which funds were allocated. We thank the government for this.
At a fisheries development meeting in Batticaloa district, we had presented several requests to the Deputy Minister, but none of the decisions made there have been implemented, highlighting government negligence. We had requested “weekend lights,” and although funds were allocated, implementation has not occurred.
In the East, just as some rely on sea fishing for their livelihood, others depend on freshwater fishing. Batticaloa district has more than 50 fish ponds. Rs. 8.4 million has been allocated to release fish fry, with the government providing a subsidy of Rs. 4.4 million if the fishermen’s association buys fry for Rs. 4 million.
However, the associations only have Rs. 1.2 million available. There are issues for both sea and freshwater-dependent communities, requiring government attention and action.
Previously, a private individual had erected fences in Valaichenai, preventing fishermen from docking boats. This was done by the brother of former State Minister Pillayan. Attention must be given to this matter.
Additionally, a fisheries association leader was arrested under serious charges for allegedly harming archaeological symbols. He has been granted bail. We request cooperation for the development of the fisheries sector and protection of fishermen’s livelihoods.
