“The two countries held three discussions at the ministerial level”FISHERIES MINISTER DEVANANDA

Since this is a problem between two countries, problems may arise when the Navy intervenes. Trawlers in India are very large. Our boats are very small; like lorries and three-wheelers. Illegal gear can be removed from seized boats and provided to our fishermen for fishing activities Responding to this matter, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said that not only the Central government of India, but also the state governments are in discussions to find solutions to this problem. The minister said that steps will be taken to strictly implement the fishing and foreign boat laws brought in 2017 and 2018.

“This is not a problem that exists since yesterday. When Indian boats entering the sea are caught by the Navy, they go to India and say that the Navy is causing trouble.

This issue has been discussed for so long. The two countries held three discussions at the ministerial level, and there were about five rounds of discussions among the fishing community. We requested that steps be taken to make progress from those discussions. That is why we are going to present alternative measures. Since this is a problem between two countries, problems may arise when the Navy intervenes. Trawlers in India are very large. Our boats are very small; like lorries and three-wheelers. Illegal gear can be removed from seized boats and provided to our fishermen for fishing activities. When they go in those big boats and engage in fishing under the supervision of the Navy, the arrival of Indian fishermen decreases. Also, the Act brought in 2017 and the Foreign Fishing Boats Act brought in 2018 is strictly implemented.

“Similarly, the people’s representatives of the Northern Province should visit India and explain the true situation and explain how this situation affects the Tamil fishermen in the North. Discussions should be held not only with the central government of India, but also with the state governments. The Chief Minister of Puducherry sent me a letter saying that he is ready for discussions. He also sent a letter to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Since there are elections there, I hope to discuss matters with the election commissioner and send a letter too. Currently, 98 Indian trawlers are in Srilankan custody. Also, 79 Sri Lankan boats are in Indian custody. We can talk about releasing them during the negotiations. But when starting the negotiations, it should be ensured that not a single boat is sent to this side. Indian trawlers are not only destroying our marine resources, but also destroying the fishing gear of our fishermen,” the minister complained.