Indo-Lanka fishing dispute flares again; urgent moves to defuse crisis

Diplomatic contacts between Colombo and New Delhi intensified yesterday after a clash between fishermen of the two countries, some five nautical miles off Point Pedro.

The incident had taken place in the Palk Strait where nearly 40 Sri Lankan fishing boats were operating. A fleet of Indian trawlers which were engaged in illegal bottom trawling had con- fronted the local group damaging their boats and nets, according to a source at Navy Headquarters. The estimated damage was more than Rs. 4 million.

The Foreign Ministry in Colombo got in touch with New Delhi to ensure that the clash did not get out of control.

This is particularly in the light of President Maithripala Sirisena’s two-day state visit to New Delhi beginning February 16.

The Sri Lanka Navy has been advised to take measures to ensure the safety of fishermen within the country’s territorial waters defined by an International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Colombo has apprised New Delhi that these measures are being taken to ensure there is no further tension between the two sides.

Meanwhile as a goodwill sign ahead of President Sirisena's visit to India next week, both governments are working closely to release fishing boats in their custody, a senior official of the Fisheries Ministry said yesterday.

Fisheries Ministry Secretary Nimal Hettiarachchi said he hoped the fishing boats of both countries would be released before President Sirisena's visit.

Currently there are 87 Indian trawlers in Sri Lanka’s custody while 22 Sri Lankan boats have been detained in India. All of these boats were taken into custody for illegal poaching.

Meanwhile Deputy Fisheries Director Lal De Silva will leave for Chennai next week to conclude the paperwork regarding the release of 22 Sri Lankan boats from Indian custody.