Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Women’s Organisation of the Mannar Nesakaram Citizen Committee, affiliated with the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement, Aalam described the proposed law as wholly unacceptable. The briefing was held on Wednesday afternoon at the organisation’s office premises in Mannar. Civil society organisations and activists across the island, he said, have already voiced clear opposition to the proposed law, warning of its far-reaching consequences. In this context, Aalam said the fishing community in Mannar also felt compelled to place its position on record. In contrast, the newly proposed legislation concentrates sweeping powers in the hands of the Sri Lankan President, the President’s Secretary, and the Ministry of Defence, effectively sidelining judicial intervention altogether.