The Director General, Susantha Kahawatte, states that the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is paying special attention to the safety of Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels operating in international waters, due to the military situation that has arisen near and in the Gulf region.
Currently, between 2000 and 2500 multi-day fishing vessels are engaged in fishing daily in the Indian Ocean, including within Sri Lanka's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and international waters. He confirms that no fishing vessel in Sri Lanka has been affected so far due to the current situation. The Department observes that since these military activities are taking place based on specific targets, there is no direct threat to our fishing vessels.
However, to ensure the utmost safety of fishing vessels and crew, the fishing community is strongly urged to follow the following safety measures:
- Always operating only in traditional fishing areas.
- Not approaching any vessel suspected of being involved in military activities or any other foreign vessel or ship.
- Only traveling along the usual routes normally used when departing and returning for fishing.
- Returning to land immediately after completion of fishing.
The Department of Fisheries’ Vessel Monitoring Centre and land-based radio stations are operational 24 hours a day to receive assistance in any emergency. In addition, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Colombo (Colombo MRCC) operated by the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo, is also operational 24 hours a day.
Fishermen can contact the Colombo MRCC via radio transmitters on the following frequencies (Kilohertz - kHz):
- 6215.00 kHz
- 8291.00 kHz
- 4225.00 kHz
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources further requests all multi-day fishing vessel owners and fishermen to strictly adhere to these instructions and engage in their profession with greater care.
