Praja Abhilasha continues to discover and discern its role as a network and its purpose in Sri Lanka. There have been three recent activities which have brought a greater sense of unity to the network. Each have helped us develop a better understanding of who we are as a network and what we want to work towards in the future. It is a constant searching and discerning process, but one to which we are committed.

by Chenoa Stock

Globalization Awareness

The first activity was the Globalization Workshop, held in Athurigiriya (outside of the capital), March 21-23rd, 2007. This workshop was based on the book, Globalization and Its Discontents, by Joseph Stiglitz. The purpose of this workshop was to raise awareness about globalization and its impact on Sri Lanka, which are concepts not widely known or understood by many of our partner organizations. Two speakers, Marshal Fernando and Rev. Dr. Wimalaratne, each presented an explanation of certain portions of the book.

Mr. Fernando, speaking on Chapters 1-4, gave a background on globalization, explained the roles of the IMF, WTO, and WB, and gave examples of globalization that have occurred in East Asian countries. Rev. Dr. Wimalaratne, speaking on Chapters 5-8, discussed the situation of the work of IMF and WB in Soviet Russia and explained the concept of capitalism. The third speaker, Linus Jaytilake, spoke on the impact of globalization on Sri Lanka. He explained that 76% of Sri Lanka is affected by globalization. He described the idea of capital and the different types of economies that have existed throughout the world.

The speakers did not deny that globalization could/does have positive effects, but they also gave an analysis on the negative effects of globalization and how communities can work to change them. The discussions that occurred after each presentation were more than encouraging, as many participants stood up and shared that, though these concepts were new to them, they now understood and could see how globalization is at work in their own areas. The workshop gave many the motivation to go back to their organizations and share this information with their communities.

As a network, Praja Abhilasha will continue to increase its members’ awareness by developing training modules. These modules will give an analysis of globalization and its affects in our sectors of focus, a discussion of the book, and a discussion on how each organization can search for alternatives. Representatives from each organization will be trained, using these modules, and then assume the responsibility for conducting two workshops within their individual organizations. We hope these smaller, regional workshops will be a time for brainstorming and collecting alternative ideas, which can then be circulated throughout the network partner organizations for further awareness and education. Praja Abhilasha has initiated the translation of this book into Sinhala, which will be published in the next couple of months.

Fisheries Unite

The second activity was a protest against the Ministry of Fisheries, which Southern Fisheries Organization, a Praja Abhilasha partner organization, began on March 27, 2007. As it gained momentum, more partner networks joined in to provide support and solidarity. The fishermen of this area are demanding enforcement of the laws against illegal fishing methods, which are harmful to the environment, the sustainability of fish stock, the social and economic life of the people, and their livelihood. Some of these illegal fishing methods include the use of high voltage lights in the water, dynamite, and fishing nets that are destructive to the fish, their eggs, and the coral.

There are six points on which the fishermen are focusing:

1. to bring an end to joint ventures by asking for the removal of legal and illegal foreign vessels in the sea, as they are destroying the income and resources of the local fishermen,
2. to ban the agreement with the Maldives Company, which would allow Maldives fishermen to fish in their waters, thus taking the local Sri Lankan fishermen’s fish,
3. to set a reasonable and fair price for fish,
4. to continue to ban destructive and illegal fishing methods,
5. to reduce the fuel prices, and
6. to show respect for and value the traditional fishermen’s knowledge of the sea.

Fishery organizations throughout Sri Lanka have been battling illegal fishing methods for years. Talks have been held with the Ministry of Fisheries in the past, which have brought about Fishery Acts, declaring that all illegal fishermen would be held accountable if found violating the conditions of these acts. But the illegal fishing methods continue and the government continues to turn a blind eye to this activity.

Though the ministers have not offered solutions for all six items, they did agree to cancel the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Maldives, which annuls the fishing licenses of the Maldives fishermen and does not allow them to fish in Sri Lankan waters. The Ministry also agreed to give higher priority to the local Sri Lankan fishermen for the fish that they catch and bring to the harbour for the market.

These are significant moves toward progress, but the Ministry did not agree to cancel the fishing licenses of fishing vessels from foreign corporations, and will continue to support these joint ventures. The fishermen, and those who support them, are not satisfied with these minimal changes and have begun to form unions and organizations based around harbour areas. This is to build strength and support as a Joint Front against the foreign fishing vessels. The dialogue and activity continues, and we hope that the solidarity of a network will help bring the strength it needs to succeed.

Praja Abhilasha visits Chethana Network in India

The beauty of Joining Hands is that it is not only a countrywide network, but an international one also. Praja Abhilasha was able to enjoy the fruits of this global family when we were invited to attend Chethana’s Annual Get-Together in Kerala, India, May 7-10, 2007. The gathering was focused on the Indian Political Economy and people’s movement and had participants from many of the Chethana organizations in South India. This was a time for the five Praja Abhilasha delegates to hear about the issues of India, learn about the struggles and structuring of the Chethana network, and meet and interact with its members.

After the Gathering, the delegates spent May 11-14 with Chethana Local Coordinator, Jacob, traveling to the states of Karnataka and Andra Pradesh to visit and gain a deeper understanding of the work of three organizations of the Chethana network. We learned about the dalits, who are the untouchables of the Indian caste system, and the movements which these organizations have begun to empower the dalits and advocate for the rights they deserve. We were able to visit different dalit villages, see their lifestyles, and speak to them about their struggles and way of living.

This entire visit was a very informative exposure for the Praja Abhilasha delegates. It has given us new ideas to bring back to our own network and has also helped us see a structure of a network and how it operates. It has opened up new lines of communication for solidarity and idea sharing, which we are looking forward to developing.

Back to Archives >>>