Decision to hold Indo-SL fishermen discussions after Minister’s arrival

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development Ministry yesterday said, they were to make a decision whether t he Sri Lankan Government would join in the proposed talks among the fishermen’s associations of India over the fishermen’s issue on May 12th and 13th .

“The Fisheries Department was notified by the Central Government of India about the proposed talks scheduled for May 12th and 13th , but we can only take a decision once the Minister arrives in the country,” the Fisheries Ministry Media Secretary, Narendra Rajapaksa said.

The Director General of Fisheries, Nimal Hettiarachchi told Indian media that the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi had agreed to the dates suggested by the Tamil Nadu and Indian governments without consulting the Fisheries Department of Sri Lanka and the Minister.

“Our department’s prior consent is necessary as it is we who have to host the meeting,” he said.

He also said there would be no point in fishermen holding talks without doing the necessary ground work.

Mr. Hettiarachchi said they had not declined to take part, but a decision would be taken after discussion with the Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne.

As per an announcement from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department, talks between fishermen’s associations are to be held in Colombo on May 12th and 13th .

The Fisheries Department was notified by the Central Government of India about the proposed talks scheduled for May 12th and 13th , but we can only take a decision once the Minister arrives in the country