National Fishermens' Collective for Demanding Rights of Fisheries Industry (NFCDRF) said on Wednesday that they have doubts whether the present government is genuinely interested in developing the industry.

Spokesman for NFCDRF, M.Wijendra told media that 2012 budget has set apart Rs.52.5 billion for agriculture while nothing has been allocated to fisheries industry although it directly contributes to the economy.

No respect

Jude Namal Fernando, a fisherman from Trincomalee said that Indian fishermen continue to engage in fishing in Sri Lankan waters disregarding restrictions in place to protect traditional fishing.

"Indian fishing boats have destroyed fishing nets of local fishermen in Kokilai, Mulaitivu, Point Pedro, Kalpitiya, and Mannar. But no compensation has been paid to them", he said.

Another fisherman WR Jemson Fernando said that even the Sri Lankan fishermen who have the political backing use tractors to drawing fishing nets instead of following traditional methods.

Desregard to environment

"They are destroying environment. They have no regard to environment. When complained to fisheries authorities and police, they say the sea shore do not belong to us", he told the media.