According to the Minister of Fisheries Dr Rajitha Senaratne, two new amendments will be implemented by April this year that will make it compulsory for all fishermen to wear lifejackets while at sea.

The amendments will make it compulsory to insure all boats under a new insurance scheme introduced by the Ministry. He said that registration of boats that do not have insurance will be cancelled.

Most of the private insurance schemes do not compensate for minor damages. Therefore the Ministry has decided to cover even minor damages under the new scheme, he said.

The Minister said that fishermen can claim up to Rs. 300,000. under the new insurance scheme.