The marine resources and environment of Sri Lanka are getting damaged due to the illegal and forced fishing carried out by Indian multi-day fishing vessels in Sri Lanka's marine area.
Accusations have been directed against Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and Ministry Secretary Indu Ratnayake, Director General of the Department of Lands, Air Force Commander, Naval Commander, Inspector General of Police, Secretary of the Defense Ministry, Director General of the Wildlife Department, Director General of the Coast Guard Department and the Attorney General for failing to properly implement the ordinances passed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka. A case numbered 0379/2022 was filed by the Chairman of Mulankavil Ambupuram Fishermen's Cooperative Society, Vaidyalingam Balasuresh and Chairman of Transparency Foundation at Colombo 7, Ruwini rambukwella in the Court of Appeal and another case was filed by Advocate Nagananda Kodithuvakku. Eight persons including Vice President of Kites Fishermen's Cooperative Society, Annalingam Annarasa have also been named to appear in the Court of Appeal.
The case will be taken for trial on January 20th at the Court of Appeal and the second case is scheduled to be taken up for hearing at the Court of Appeal on February 2nd.
Commenting on this, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said that according to the existing law in Sri Lanka, necessary legal measures have been taken to prevent the invasion by Indian multi-day vessels and several rounds of diplomatic discussions have been held with the Indian government. It was also stated that a discussion in this regard is scheduled to be held with Mr. S. Jayashankar.
