A significant meeting was held today at the Ministry of Fisheries between the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha.
The discussion comprehensively covered the welfare of fishermen, marine resource protection, the development of the fisheries sector, and bilateral cooperation.
Minister Chandrasekar pointed out that Northern fishermen have been engaged in fishing amidst severe economic hardships after three decades of war, and their livelihoods have been severely affected. He requested the High Commissioner to take action to curb the illegal 'Bottom Trawling' fishing by Tamil Nadu fishermen, which significantly harms marine resources.
In response, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha stated that 'Bottom Trawling' fishing is already banned in Tamil Nadu, and fishermen are currently being encouraged to engage in deep-sea fishing. Emphasizing that Tamil Nadu fishermen are also poor people working for very low daily wages, he stressed that promoting discussions between both parties of fishermen based on their shared culture and language could build understanding and lay the groundwork for finding solutions to problems.
Minister Ramalingam recalled that Tamil Nadu fishermen groups had visited Sri Lanka in the past, and he had met them during his visit to Tamil Nadu for friendly discussions. Accepting the High Commissioner's request, he agreed to increase meetings and discussions between the fishing communities of both countries in the future to strengthen understanding.
Speaking on the development of the fisheries sector, Minister Chandrasekar stated that there are no dedicated fisheries harbors in the North and East, but possibilities exist in locations like Pesalai, Gurunagar, and Point Pedro. He mentioned that Northern fishermen lack facilities for deep-sea fishing vessels and cold storage, and they are seeking international assistance to build one or two small jetties.
The Indian High Commissioner gave a positive response regarding cooperation for fisheries sector development and expressed keen interest in expeditiously commencing the Point Pedro Fisheries Harbour work with Indian assistance. India is also expected to provide assistance for the building construction work of CEYNOR, the government-owned boat manufacturing company.
Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the proper management of the Indian-built Cultural Centre through a Trust Fund, and the construction of the Achchuveli Industrial Zone along with the requested cooperation from Indian investors.
Additionally, discussions included initiating a passenger ferry service between Thalai Mannar and Rameswaram, similar to the Nagapattinam - Kankesanthurai passenger ferry service. The Indian High Commissioner also inquired about the possibilities of swiftly commencing cargo services, as the Memorandum of Understanding for the modernization of the Kankesanthurai Harbour is now ready.
Minister Ramalingam expressed gratitude for India's continuous assistance and cooperation, emphasizing that the government is ready to conduct constructive discussions in the future to resolve fishermen's issues.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner of the High Commission of India in Colombo, Mr. Ram Babu, First Secretary of the High Commission of India in Colombo; and Dr. B. K. Kolita Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Ocean Development.
