Director General urges fishing community to adopt legal and sustainable practices.
With a view of safeguarding the sustainability of globally recognized fishing sector of Sri Lanka, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) has announced a major policy decision. Accordingly, it has been decided to implement a six-month strict fishing ban, with effect from 01st of February 2026 as per existing laws and regulations, on the skipper and entire crew of any vessel found to be illegally violating foreign maritime boundaries or wilfully inactivating the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).
This decisive step is aimed at curbing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, thereby reducing the threats to the ocean resources of the country, national security and the multi-million dollar seafood export market.
In a special statement, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte, stressed the essentiality of this action. “Sri Lanka has earned a global reputation for high-quality fresh fish. This industry is the lifeblood of our coastal communities and a key pillar of national food security,” he said. “However, the illegal actions of a very small number of people lead to a risk of facing serious international consequences, such as the imposition of export bans. We have faced this threat before, and we cannot allow it to happen again.”
Pointing out that the world’s fish stocks are a finite resource that is managed under international law to preserve them for future generations, the Director General identified two major violations that damage Sri Lanka’s reputation:
1. Unauthorized entry into the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of other countries.
2. Deliberately inactivating VMS systems to conceal illegal activities, as reported by national security forces and even neighboring countries.
“While the vast majority of our fishermen operate legally and responsibly, the irresponsible actions of a small number affect everyone,” explained Mr. Kahawatte. "After extensive discussions with all stakeholders, including fishing associations, we are implementing this ban not as a punitive measure, but as a necessary deterrent. Our goal is to direct all fishermen to legal practices and ensure the long-term prosperity of this vital industry."
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is urging all vessel skippers and crews to keep their VMS systems active throughout their voyages and to strictly respect maritime boundaries. This new strict policy will be strictly enforced to protect ocean resources of Sri Lanka, uphold international obligations, and secure the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on a sustainable fishing sector.
