Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said at a recent meeting at the Ministry that every possible step will be taken to stop illegal fishing in the North Sea waters of Sri Lanka by Indian Fishermen.
He said that Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who had discussions with him during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, promised to take legal action against the Indian multiday fishing being entered the Sri Lankan territorial waters.
“The Indian External Affairs Minister also said that the Indian government was always vigilant and held discussions with the relevant State governments to take legal actions to prevent this situation, Minister Devananda said.
“During the recent times the encroachment by Indian fishermen in the Sri Lankan territorial sea waters has been on rapid increase.
However, bilateral discussions between the two countries over the issue and the increasing of arresting and apprehending fishing crew and boats controlled the issue to a certain extent. In future, taking the vessels belonging to the Indian fisher folks to the custody will be entrusted to Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy will strengthen their patrolling in the Northern sea in this regard,” the Minster said.
Fisheries Ministry Secretary Indu Rathnayake, Director General Susantha Kahawatta, Director Dhammika Ranathunga and SL Navy Officials were present.
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