Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has reached out to India for help in stopping its fishermen from illegally entering Sri Lankan waters.
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayaka emphasized that preventing this activity would mean a lot to the people in northern Sri Lanka, whose main source of income comes from fishing. He expressed gratitude for India’s past support, especially during the conflict with the LTTE, stating, “They provided protection, and we appreciate that.”
Rathnayaka pointed out that without fishing, many in areas like Mannar and Thalaimannar have few other job options. He believes that if India, especially the Tamil Nadu government, can assist in this matter, it would greatly benefit the livelihoods of the northern communities.
Opposition MP Mano Ganesan added that illegal fishing should be a priority topic when Sri Lankan officials meet with Prime Minister Modi, who is expected to visit Sri Lanka next month. This visit will be his fourth, as he has traveled there in the past in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
In recent data, the Sri Lanka Navy reported that over 550 Indian fishermen were arrested in 2024 alone for fishing illegally in Sri Lankan waters, with more than 130 arrested this year. Addressing illegal fishing is crucial for the fishing communities and their economic survival.
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Source linkINDIAN FISHERMEN, BIMAL RATHNAYAKA, SRI LANKA ON INDIAN FISHERMEN, SRI LANKA ASKS INDIA TO STOP ITS FISHERMEN FROM STRAYING INTO COUNTRY S WATERS
