Tough times for Sri Lanka fishermen in financial turmoil

In a bind: Kumara stands along the Negombo fishery harbour in Sri Lanka as fishermen and their families struggle due to a lack of diesel and a price hike over the last few months amid the country’s economic crisis. — Reuters

COLOMBO: After three weeks at sea, Anton Fernando tallies his sales of tuna and other fish on a dock in Negombo, a fishing town in Sri Lanka, where the country’s financial crisis darkens already murky waters.

The math does not look good for Fernando and his crew of four among the dozen gently bobbing trawlers. Each takes home 40,000 Sri Lankan rupees (US$130 or RM553) from their gruelling expedition.