Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekhar has categorically announced that arrests will continue if Indian fishermen enter Sri Lankan waters illegally, boats will be confiscated, and that there is no room for compromise on this issue.
At a special media briefing held at the Ministry in Colombo yesterday (01.07.2025), he commented as follows in this regard,
'The illegal entry of Indian fishermen is detrimental to the livelihood of our fishermen. We had also informed the relevant parties of Indian in this regard. There has been no problem with Indian fishermen for the last three months. Now they have started entering Sri Lankan waters illegally again. We have taken them into custody.
The boats seized from Indian fishermen are being moored at the Myliddy Harbour. They have been confiscated.
Tamil Nadu fishermen should stop trespassing into our waters. Otherwise, the arrests will continue. The boats will be confiscated, and appropriate legal action will be taken.
We have also taken diplomatic measures regarding the fishery issue. Additional resources have been provided to the Navy. Through this, the invasion of Indian fishermen will be stopped. The Sri Lanka Navy is acting very strictly.
Sri Lanka's marine resources have been destroyed by the roller boats of Indian fishermen. If this situation continues, there is a risk that Sri Lankan seas will become a marine desert."
