Hundreds of fishermen have taken to the streets in a growing wave of satyagraha protests, demanding the immediate lifting of the government’s ban on tractor-mounted winches for traditional fishing.

Hundreds of fishermen have taken to the streets in a growing wave of satyagraha protests, demanding the immediate lifting of the government’s ban on tractor-mounted winches for traditional Ma-del (beach seine) fishing. The demonstrations, which began on February 5, 2026, outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, entered their sixth day on February 10 amid chants, banners, and hunger strike warnings, as affected families face mounting hardship along the island’s coasts.

Protests Escalate in Colombo and Coastal Regions

The satyagraha started with fishermen from multiple coastal districts, including Mullaitivu and Kokilai in the north, converging on Colombo to voice their grievances. By February 10, around 300 participants maintained a continuous presence opposite the presidential secretariat, with similar actions spreading to at least four other coastal areas. Protesters, including women and family members, have used megaphones to highlight their plight, displaying placards reading “Lift the Ban – Save Our Livelihoods” and warning of escalation, including intensified hunger strikes.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa joined the demonstrators on February 7, accusing the government of misleading the fishing community during elections and imposing the restrictions without scientific backing or environmental impact assessments. He pointed out that Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector contributes only about 1.4 per cent to GDP despite the country’s vast exclusive economic zone, attributing low output to poor resource management rather than traditional practices.

Economic Devastation Hits Thousands of Families

The core issue revolves around the enforcement of long-standing 1984 regulations for Ma-del fishing, which limit net spreads to roughly 1.5–2 kilometres and mandate manual hauling to minimize seabed damage. Tractor-mounted winches, widely adopted in recent decades, allow nets to extend much farther – up to 15 kilometres in some cases – leading authorities to equate the practice with destructive bottom trawling.

Dilruk Fernando, secretary of the All Ceylon Ma-del Cooperative Association, reported that nearly 900 Ma-del operations have shut down nationwide since the ban took full effect on December 31, 2025, following a six-month grace period. “Our main demand is that the government lift the ban,” Fernando stated. “Otherwise, we will continue our demonstrations.” He emphasized that manual hauling requires 50 or more people per net, but chronic labour shortages in many communities render this impossible, forcing operators to halt activities entirely.

Thousands of fishermen and their families now face unemployment, rising poverty, and food insecurity. In some areas, protests have coincided with reports of families struggling to afford basics, while fish supply disruptions have begun pushing up local market prices.

Government Defends Environmental Necessity

The ministry of fisheries, aquatic and ocean resources development maintains that the restrictions protect fragile marine ecosystems. Officials cite studies showing that mechanized operations damage coral reefs, fish breeding grounds, turtles, and other species, exacerbating declines in fish stocks. The department of fisheries and aquatic resources has clarified that no new laws were introduced – only existing 1984 rules are being enforced – to prevent seabed destruction, coastal erosion, and ecosystem harm from heavy machinery.

Deputy minister Rathna Gamage explained that the ministry cannot comment substantively while a court case filed by fishermen challenging the decision remains pending. The hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2026. “After the verdict, we are ready to discuss and move forward by protecting both the environment and the fishing community,” he said during a press conference on Monday.

Ministry secretary Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa and director general Susantha Kahawatta have reiterated that tractor winches enable excessive net deployment, mirroring banned destructive methods. Environmental advocates have threatened legal action if relaxations occur, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding declining resources, as many of Sri Lanka’s 40,000 registered fishing boats already operate sporadically due to poor catches.

Calls for Dialogue and Modern Solutions

Fishermen argue that the ban ignores practical realities and have proposed amendments allowing environmentally friendly mechanisation, such as solar-powered equipment seen in other nations. They express willingness to withdraw their court case if the president provides written assurances to safeguard jobs and permit updated technology.

Fernando noted ongoing demands for government support in transitioning to sustainable methods without abandoning livelihoods. “We have asked the government to amend rules and allow us to use modern fishing technology,” he added.

The standoff underscores broader challenges in Sri Lanka’s coastal economy, where traditional livelihoods clash with the need for sustainable marine management. While protesters stress their historical role in food supply and local economies, authorities warn that unchecked mechanization risks irreversible habitat loss amid already stressed fish populations.

As the satyagraha persists into its second week and the court date looms, both sides signal openness to dialogue.