Today ( 2023-01-20), the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. S. Jayashankar had discussions with Fisheries Minister Mr. Douglas Devananda and Ministry Officials, regarding the illegal Fishing activities and the encroachment of Sri Lankan territorial waters by Indian multiple-day fishing boats.
At the discussions, Minister of Fisheries Mr. Douglas Devananda pointed out that this issue affects both the marine environment and the Sri Lankan fishermen severely and immediate actions should be taken to stop this. He has further stated that during his tour to India with Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksha who was the Prime Minister of the previous government, handed over the measures to be taken in this regard to the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has agreed to consider the proposals and to take necessary steps and requested the Indian Foreign Minister to take necessary actions as soon as possible.
During the discussions, Indian Foreign Minister has stated that the Indian Government is always vigilant and holds discussions with the relevant state governments in order to take legal actions. Expressing his views at the meeting, Minister Mr. Douglas Devananda has further stated that, since the Environmental Organizations and Fisheries Co-operative Unions of Sri Lanka have filed cases at the Court of Appeal against him as well as the Ministry Officials, the Attorney General, Army Commander, Air-Force Commander and the Inspector General of Police, this issue should be resolved as soon as possible.
Many officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Mrs. Indra Rathnayake, the Director General of the Fisheries Department Mr. Susantha Kahawaththa, Director General of Fisheries Ministry ( Technical) Mr. Dhammika Ranathunga attended this meeting.
