A Bill prohibiting mechanized bottom trawling was filed in parliament on the 21st of April 2015 by TNA parliamentarian M. A Sumanthiran. The Bill calls for the amendment of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No 2 of 1996.
The Bill in essence proposes to prohibit trawling operations in Sri Lankan waters.
Read the full text of the Bill – English bill here and Sinhala version here
Leon / April 25, 2015
Excellent bill which must be supported by all the parties.
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Real Peace / April 25, 2015
All necessary ingredients are in place for the very talented Sumanthiran to become a senior minister of the SL cabinet in the very near future(!!!) and this wonderful work shows what a brilliant minister he will be!!
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Off the Cuff / April 26, 2015
Leon and Real Peace,
Agree with the sentiments expressed about Sumanthiran and the proposed Bill.
He has carefully exempted traditional net fishing by the introduction of the word “mechanically” in the definition but is there a conflict within the definition of the net?
If there is I hope it will be resolved by him.
This forward thinking bill should be passed in Parliament unanimously.
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Comese / April 26, 2015
He has grown up a lefty Vasu bud- vassi pattata hoiya.
We have seen many a Tamil minister prosper but never resolve the main issue.
A politician speaks the truth but sandwiches them with lies.
as per existing setup upward mobile Suma wont be different.
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Lanka Watch / April 26, 2015
Real Peace – He is talented indeed but what will he do if he is
offered the ministry of live stock and plantation.TNA should not
accept anything other than ministries connected with welfare of the minorities as even today, while TNA and SLMC maintaining silence, only minor concessions are offered by the current Govt.
so far, though the President in power is elected with the help of minority votes. He will be an asset to the govt.if he is offered the ministry of justice but on the other hand , will constituent parties of TNA agree unanimously as TNA will get only one or two ministries if the national govt. is formed.
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Comese / April 27, 2015
BAN AND CREATE BLACK MARKET FOR LAWYERS AND POLITICIANS TO PROSPER.
EVEN MORE BAN THE ONLY FREELY AVAILABLE PROTEIN.40%
HERE WE GO:
THEN TNA ASK INDIA FOR PARRIPU DROP!!
CONTROL FREAK PREEK PREEK PREEEEK.
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Amarasiri / April 25, 2015
Dear TNA parliamentarian M. A Sumanthiran,
RE: Ban Mechanized Bottom Trawling In Sri Lankan Waters: Full Text Of Sumanthiran’s Bill
Excellent, Sir. This should have been done years ago.
Furthermore, if caught Drag Fishing, Confiscate the Boat and Put the people responsible for 5 to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. What they are really doing is tremendous environmental damage, and takes away livelihood and nutrition of the people, plus makes the country import fish from outside, plus send the poor fishery women as domestics to the Middle East,
Everybody should support it.
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Colomba sira / April 27, 2015
fishing in troubled waters loony lefty?? Blackmarket!!
Nice commission for touts and fat fees to the parasites solicitors.
Only he will know the loop holes in the law.
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justice / April 25, 2015
Bottom Trawling ( and, Deep Sea mining ) destroy the fragile eco system of the deep ocean floor.
http://www.savethehighseas.org/theproblem/
This bill should be passed by parliament and enforced.
Sri Lanka also has a vast reservoir of inland fisheries which have not been properly utilised.
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/t0028e/T0028E00.htm
Fish farming too should be explored. This is practised in countries like Philippines where sea water is let into large excavations close to shore called ‘fish pans’ for this purpose.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_farming
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Frixroy / April 26, 2015
Hello fishing village can you imagine Iceland’s Main Export is Fish-
they are the best conservationist’s of sea life.
`the trawler` leaves the shores and returns with canned fish- Magic no Robotics from the 70’s. Imagine only 5% of the population work in the fishing industry.
Is Iceland still Anathema to the Lankan’s??
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Aia / April 25, 2015
This was an issue long overdue to be tackled by TNA, which led MR and Co to capitalize on saying they were more concerned about Tamil fishermen than their politicians. TNA should not stop here but try and sort this issue in close cooperation with TNA or other Indian State and Central Governments. To continue with bottom trowelling would destroy the entire marine aquatic health, ultimately the region would turned into no use for either side. Good move by MAS, however am not sure how Suresh would spin out of it.
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Real Peace / April 25, 2015
Well, Suresh will say as usual that the Tamils did not vote the TNA to protect the marine life in Sri Lankan waters and call Sumanthiran a traitor….!!!
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Sang / April 27, 2015
He is not open minded like the Dutch who are enterprising.
(Although trawling today is heavily regulated in some nations, it remains the target of many protests by environmentalists. By banning he stops innovation- arty farty education- period.)
But like the British or Loony Lefties-
Banning to create the black market and goons and say we are after all a very tolerant society.
Journalist Arnold “Al” Gore, USA picked up a Nobel prize for (He has founded a number of non-profit organizations, including the Alliance for Climate Protection, and has received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in climate change activism.[1])
BUT THE ICE HAS ONLY INCREASED AND SHIPPING IS FOLLOWING SAME ROUTE.
Obama received a Nobel prize for Peace and he started the Libyan Bombing why?? Because Gaddafi thew the UN doctrine on the floor like poor Protestants in the UK do with the Bible on Easter Sunday. Next Gaddafi was the richest man on earth with $200 billion in gold and he was not white.
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xlntgson / April 25, 2015
Sumanthiran is a right thinking person. I’ve been highlighting this despite snides of siding with Indians, betrayal etc.The natural marine and seafood resources wasted and ultimately depleted by unethical ecologically unfriendly methods genuine fishing through meaningful joint mechanism will be nourishing if both the navies patrol jointly to prevent smugglers. Modern methods are there to monitor effectively GPS, Hologram etc.
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S.R.H. Hoole / April 25, 2015
Sumanthiran is leading Tamil politics by showing how to get things done. Joining the cabinet as the next step will move the TNA into the mainstream of national life.
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J.muthu / April 26, 2015
YES, TAMILS MUST TAKE OVER WHOLE OF SRILANKA. SINHALESE BAILAS NEVER KNOW HOW TO RUN THEIR OWN HOME….YES AGAIN THEY DESTROYED THEIR OWN LAND AND OURS..WE TAMILS MUST TEACH SINHALA BUDDHIST MEANING OF HARD WORK & MEANING OF LIFE…
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Native Vedda / April 26, 2015
J.muthu
“YES AGAIN THEY DESTROYED THEIR OWN LAND AND OURS”
I beg to differ. Both Tamils and Sinhalese are stupid and self destructive.
“..WE TAMILS MUST TEACH SINHALA BUDDHIST MEANING OF HARD WORK & MEANING OF LIFE”
First the stupid Tamils must learn the meaning of life before teaching their stupid brethren. Difficult however doable. Give it a try.
” YES, TAMILS MUST TAKE OVER WHOLE OF SRILANKA. SINHALESE BAILAS NEVER KNOW HOW TO RUN THEIR OWN HOME…”
We know how the psychopath VP ran his Tamil Eelam.
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paul / April 26, 2015
‘TAMILS MUST TAKE OVER WHOLE OF SRILANKA’.
Muthu, since the Sinhalese are really S Indians they already have.
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sanchay / April 26, 2015
some people seem to suffer under continuous minority complex or deficite of self respect. They should always go around and propagate how good they are and they could and would do it better. This good for nothings were hiding most probably behind the curtains (or sarees of their wifes) during the hard times. If we really want a progressive society we need progressive thinking and not agressive fault findings for the misshapes. My dear Muthu the Tamil barathanatiyas also didnt know how to put their home in order and kept hiding behind VP and then the unjust war. And now you from behind, probably behind the saree of your wife, and want to tell the world how it could be put back in its axis probably. wake up man. Of course sumanthirans proposal is really good, but does not mean that the others are dump.
It is shameful to see your hatred and racism toward the Singhalese.
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Ajith / April 26, 2015
Yes.He is talented but National politics has not matured enough to work with truly talented people. How can he survive with a group of thugs, criminals, corruptors,opportunistics and rascists. We all praise now on this bill but if he put a bill to devolve power based on federalism within a united framework will Srilankans welcome that bill?
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Real Peace / April 26, 2015
Ajith:
SJC’s Gandhian style or later VP’s armed resistance had failed to win the rights of Tamils. Now Tamils have only one option – corporate and collaborate at national level to win self rule in the NE in a united Sri Lanka. I feel this is the right way forward and this is what the TNA should peruse. Tamils do not have any other option.
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Ajith / April 26, 2015
Real Peace,
Failure to find a political solution is a utter failure in the part of Srilanka & srilankan politicians as a nation. SJC’s gandhian style resistence included collaborate &corporate option as well if you can remember. Failure to achieve does not mean and the federalism is wrong or the method is wrong. TNA is always showed its will to corporate with national level as they did in the past.The problem is the national politics is notprepared to recognise the rights of the Tamils and Muslims as equals.
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Real Peace / April 26, 2015
Ajith:
Stop blaming the Sinhala leaders for everything. I am not saying the Sinhala leaders are completely innocent, but you should also condemn the foolish acts of the Tamil leaders – in fact, the “sole representatives” of the Tamils. When Chandrika proposed a far reaching devolution process, the SR blasted Neelan off. When Rajiv attempted to implement a devolution process (even the UN praised and encouraged the Indo Lanka agreement)the SRs killed hundreds of Indian soldiers and blasted off Rajiv. When the UNP proposed a federal solution in Oslo, the SR took black money from Mahinda and politically assassinated Ranil.
So please stop cursing the Sinhalese for all suffering of the Tamils.
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Ajith / April 26, 2015
Real Peace,
It is not blaming, I am pointing out the facts.Srilanka is ruled by Sinhalese, not by Tamils or Muslims, never allowed to take part in descision making.
The power is always remained within the hands of Sinhalese and they should take the responsibility at least to provide a unbiased law and order system. In 1956, Sinhala only act brought in and Federal Party sat on a peaceful protest in front of Paliament. They were attacked and no one was brought under justice. In 1958, people were dragged to streets and burnt in front of armed forces of the government but no one was brought under justice system. Jaffna library was burnt and it was done by the orders of two Sinhalese ministers by police and army together. Why no one was brought under justice until now? Who has to take action against those crimes? Is it the Government? or Is it the Tamils? Banda_Chelva pact and Dudley-Chelva pact was agreed and whose responsibility to implement those agreement and who failed to implement those proposals. Yes, Chandrika played double game in preparing proposals and continuing with war. Even Mahinda appointed All party committe to find political solutions and once war he threw them. India signed Srilanka _ India accord and came up with 13th amendment where we have seen how a military governor controlled everything. It is not Mahinda money to LTTE that politically assasinated Ranil, it is the same Chndrika who dissolve Ranil government during the peace talks politically assasinated Ranil. Sinhalese have a vote power of 75% against 12% of Tamil votes. It is JRJ(UNP) who marched to Kandy (1958 massacre), and it is UNP who was in power in 1983 massacre and it is UNP ministers who burnt Jaffna library. Don’t tell that Ranil is better than Mahinda?
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Ajith / April 26, 2015
Real Peace,
I hope you will listen to Chandrika’s SJV’s memorial speech.
“The ruling elite, comprised mainly of the majority community, arrogated an unequal share of opportunities to itself, while excluding the others”.
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carefully / April 27, 2015
“”Failure to achieve does not mean and the federalism is wrong or the method is wrong. “”
Exactly like what Modi is supporting Cooperative Federalism not master slave like the british concept of education.
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Sinhala Banda / April 26, 2015
Mr. Sumanthiran
Thanks for leading the way to ban bottom trawling. As an intelligent Thamil politician, you are setting an example to your narrow minded TNA colleges who always exhibit racial tunnel vision with their actions.
We need national leaders with broad visions, irrespective of their communal background to take all Sri Lankans to a higher level. I have also seen that You have been showing your genuine qualities and interests by attending yourself in our independence Day ceremony in February this year.
Keep the good work up and lead the way even by accepting a leading role in the government as Mr. Hoole indicated above. You have to work with Sinhalese in this country rather than trying disassociated and be away from them.
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Native Vedda / April 26, 2015
Sinhala Banda
“As an intelligent Thamil politician, you are setting an example to your narrow minded TNA colleges who always exhibit racial tunnel vision with their actions.”
Could you now read, reread this article published in Sunday times then tell us who first demonstrated narrow mindedness
National Anthem only in Sinhala; Tamil version out
Sri Lanka’s national anthem will remain only in Sinhala, the Cabinet decided on Wednesday. The move will mean that the current Tamil version will no longer be played at any official or state functions. At present, the Sinhala version of Sri Lanka Matha is used in all parts of the country with the exception of the North and the East which have a large Tamil population.
The decision to do away with the Tamil version, the Sunday Times learned, came after a lengthy discussion at last Wednesday night’s Cabinet meeting. It was the first after President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka following a visit to Britian where a scheduled address to the Oxford Union was cancelled allegedly due to security reasons.
President Rajapaksa told ministers that in no other country was the national anthem used in more than one language. He cited an instance where one time Prime Minister, the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, had walked out of a function in the north where the national anthem was played in Tamil.
He said there could not be two national anthems and that it was a shortcoming that must be rectified. He said, “We must all think of Sri Lanka as one country.”
Minister Wimal Weerawansa supported President Rajapaksa’s proposal. He said that even in neighbouring India, where around 300 languages were used, the national anthem was only in Hindi.
However, two Ministers voiced their dissent. National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said the move would not be a suitable one.
Minister Rajitha Senaratne, the Sunday Times learned, endorsed the same view. Later, the Cabinet decided to adhere only to the Sinhala version of the national anthem.
A directive to use only the Sinhala version is to be sent out by the Ministry of Public Administration. All government establishments including district secretariats will be called upon to adhere to this decision.
The 1978 Constitution (Article 7) states: “The National Anthem of the Republic of Sri Lanka shall be “Sri Lanka Matha,” the words and music of which are set out in the Third Schedule.”
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/101212/News/nws_01.html
Sinhala Banda
Don’t forget Sinhala Only language policy was not made law by TNA.
TNA didn’t draft the provision which gave Buddhism the foremost palce:
The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(1)(e).
Almost all Sinhala/Buddhists believe in bestiality, incestuous relation and parricide. TNA didn’t write the myth in Mahawamsa.
“We need national leaders with broad visions, irrespective of their communal background to take all Sri Lankans to a higher level.”
We also saw how Mahinda and his crooks prevented Laxman Kathigamar from being appointed as Prime Minister.
You should be educating Sinhala/Buddhists than wasting your time telling how politicians from minorities should/should not behave.
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seriously, / April 26, 2015
Once against the JT favorite
another tamil man to fight the Indians and finally to be swallowed by his own brother the sinhala.
Mootal Madhu.
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Saame gigurawa / April 27, 2015
Sinhala Banda ,
“Thanks for leading the way to ban bottom trawling.”
like drugs or anything ban it and lawyers, politicians, touts make hay like in UK.
Booming black market and the parasites in the legal stream would would make hay. While there wont be innovation.
Although trawling today is heavily regulated in some nations, it remains the target of many protests by environmentalists. By banning he stops innovation- arty farty education like `Al Gore`- period.
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Sengodan. M / April 26, 2015
The reason why the South Indian fishers are encroaching into Sri Lankan waters to fish is that they have almost destroyed completely the undersea flora and fauna in their waters by mechanised bottom trawling. Now the big fish mudalalies there want to do the same in our Northern seas! Those who get caught are the poor fishers engaged in fishing while the fish barons exploit the profits. This is somewhat similar to the case of the poor Tamilnadu workmen who went to cut red sandalwood timber in the Andhra forests and got slaughtered.
Sengodan. M
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Sam T. / April 27, 2015
Sengodan. M
“”This is somewhat similar to the case of the poor Tamilnadu workmen who went to cut red sandalwood timber in the Andhra forests and got slaughtered.””
It’s an item like cocaine because of its ban and its export market to Japan from Nadu Company the award winners for export.
But this is protein diet that is made cheap with trawler fishing techniques and sustainable farming- you cant love and be wise.
Why are the Somalis into piracy?? Because there is no fish and that is their main complain. Only the Chinese deal with the pirates clean- shoot at sight no questions asked – so now the west turns a blind eye to what the Chinese do in the high seas to pirates- its clean its cheap for the west- not I.
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Pacs / April 26, 2015
“Now the big fish mudalalies there want to do the same in our Northern seas”
A big point of concern
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Pacs / April 26, 2015
While appreciating Mr Sumanthiran for this bill. There is a Lot more to do.
Establish a special unit incorporating Northern, eastern and southern Universities to study about the marine life along the shores and seas of Sri Lankna, The association of inland water and sea fish stocks. study the life cycle of each fish around us. culture fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns in a better method.
Educate the people about the eco system of our sea.
Study and reveal the economic impact of fishing in Sri Lanka and north east.
stop fishing during spawning and breeding seasons. Protect the fishlings or schools young fish.
Study about the movement of fishes around SL waters.
Protect and preserve the corals from Point Pedro to Karainagar.
Regulate all the fishing methods , place, time duration size and amounts for sustainability.
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Pacs / April 26, 2015
“We know how the psychopath VP ran his Tamil Eelam.”
Native — During VP time the exploitation of our sea resources were minimum. Vanni had plenty of Fish and prawns. People not only happily sustained on that but also flourished. Had good nutritious food until the last battle. This the fact
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Real Peace / April 26, 2015
Pace:
Yes VP had more sympathy for fish and prawns than the children in Vanni who were conscripted in thousands! I do not think VP conscripted your children and that’s why you are praising him!!
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Chino / April 27, 2015
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Heretic / April 27, 2015
“During VP time the exploitation of our sea resources were minimum. Vanni had plenty of Fish and prawns. People not only happily sustained on that but also flourished. Had good nutritious food until the last battle. This the fact”
It must have been marvelous to live in the Vanni that time. The fish were happy also.
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Pacs / April 26, 2015
The Petta Fish Market and the whole fish marketing business is monopolized and controlled by a consortium of people mainly connected with Malabar or India, and Thugs. The Poor fishermen are the sufferers. When is the remedy?
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Senthil / April 26, 2015
We have to think in all directions unlike sheep. Poor south Indians are used by Big Muthalalies in every field like fishing, cuting red wood etc. 20 poor people were killed during red wood issue by Karnataka idiots and many fishing workers were killed by srilankan idiots. I think, Sumanthiran have to take initiative with Tamil-Nadu government to educate poor people or punish those Muthaalalies (may be easier to punish poor workers than Muthalalies). Even during LTTE struggle mainly the innocent poor people were mostly affected. Just blaming suresh will not make every thing right – any how Sumanthiran is a cinnamon garden politician – be careful with him, his theory may look like correct but the motive may be cunning.
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Chennai / April 27, 2015
To ban anything is like the UK creating a black market for goon tune and nose in the pie.
To be open minded like the Dutch is practical thinking.
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Chennai / April 27, 2015
To ban anything is like the UK creating a black market for
goon tune and nose in the pie.
To be open minded like the Dutch is practical thinking.
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Jango / April 26, 2015
Excellent move by one of the most astute and intelligent politicians we are fortunate to have in Parliament. The graphic (above) depicting the ‘anatomy of a bottom trawl’ says it in a nutshell.
Hope like hell this bill will be passed and more of them with regard to environmental protection will follow.
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Mallaiyuran / April 26, 2015
Prime Minister Sumanthiram(future) is trying to earn a reputation by his participation in the national government.
There are complex, complicated stories in the Tamil Meadis. UN wants to hand over the investigation details and the accused’s information to Lankave government. Without witness’ details handed over, there will no case against anybody. So it can go:
1.) The accused perpetrators get early warning to prepare for the defense. Most of all the Army do know the victims families and there where about by the extensive spying carried out the in old Royal Government. They know word by word and line by line who might have said those against them. This was what took place in Jakumari’s arrest and Gopi’s murder. The present government arrested many media people and keep then just the way Jayakumai. Same case with the many Tamils who traveled from foreign countries. Thank for Sumanthiran to have put the victims life once more in jeopardy.
2). The election in Lankave will be after September, when the documents officially handed over to the New Royal Government. This will automatically make the old Royals re-elected and the victims families face the Kirishanti family’s end in Last Chanrika Government.
Prime Minister Sumanthiran deserve the job for have drafted a false election statement and have the international Inquiry path defeated for his UNP masters’.
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Sam T. / April 27, 2015
“”The Bill in essence proposes to prohibit trawling operations in Sri Lankan waters”
Suma the lawyer/politico conveniently talks of `bottom scraping technique` to effect a ban and create a blackmarket of protein diet- sic man syndrome.
This creates a black market for lawyers and politicians to prosper.
there are different types of trawling surface, mid etc without touching the seabed that are in adoption in the north sea and EU.
The Prince of Monaco Was Sick of English Ladies so he gave an old fashioned Anatomy.
Today’s Nets for trawling in surface waters and for trawling in deep water and over the bottom are modified gear.
Moving the Walls
The Prince of Monaco
Was sick of English ladies.
The Prince had a yacht
And her name was Hirondelle.
She was cousin to the yacht of the Kaiser
And niece to the yacht of the Tsar.
And the Prince was interested in the sea–
That is, oceanography.
So he furnished the yacht with instruments
And with instruments of brass,
Burners and sinks and instruments
Of the most delicate glass.
There was also a whaleboat
And a whole crew of harpooners.
There was a helmet and suit of armor
For the wars of the ocean floor…..
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Pacs / April 27, 2015
Real Peace
Napoleon, VP. Wellington, Joann of Arc, and so many in the Gallipoli war all are Children of war. Not only that Animanyu, Kadotkasan and many others in the epics.
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