Sri Lanka, Feb. 16 -- The fisheries sector which plays a pivotal role in the social fabric and the economy has been in hot water for some time with many of the issues impeding its sustenance, remaining unresolved.

Despite the many challenges it had to undergo, the fisheries sector has been a lifeline for the fisher community for centuries.

However, poaching by neighbouring country vessels and bottom trawling, rising fuel prices, outdated fishing gear, poor safety measures and the lack of transparency in the proposed amendments to the current Fisheries Act have been strong headwinds threatening the survival of the sector. Human rights defender, Secretary General of the World Forum of Fisher People and the Convener of the National Fisheri...