Fisheries Minister Meets Families of Missing Fishermen in Point Pedro and Kankesanturai

Fisheries Minister Chandrasekaran has met with the families of fishermen from the Point Pedro and Kankesanturai areas who had gone out to sea and have not yet returned to shore. The meeting was held as part of ongoing government engagement with affected communities, and details of the visit were shared by the minister on social media today (07.06.2026), along with photographs documenting the interaction. During the visit, the minister met the grieving families in person, listened to their concerns, and understood their expectations regarding the fate of their missing relatives, while acknowledging the emotional and economic hardship they are currently facing.

He assured the families that they are not alone during this distressing period and emphasized that both the government and the Ministry of Fisheries remain committed to supporting them. The minister further stated that necessary measures will be taken to provide comprehensive assistance, particularly focusing on the education needs of children and the livelihood support of affected households, in order to help them cope with the social and financial challenges arising from the situation.

He also highlighted that search operations and information-gathering efforts regarding the missing fishermen are still ongoing. At the same time, he urged the public to rely only on verified and confirmed information, as various unverified reports have been circulating. Drawing reference to past incidents in the southern region of the country where missing fishermen were later found alive after several months, he expressed hope and encouraged families not to lose faith. The minister concluded by reaffirming that the government stands in solidarity with the affected families and will continue to take all possible steps to ensure their welfare, safety, and long-term livelihood stability during this difficult time.