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India slams minister for rejecting fishermen’s proposal

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29 May 2015 05:37 am - 20     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Indian External Affairs Ministry in a statement, had called remarks by Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera ‘not helpful’ to the government’s efforts at finding a solution to the issue, The Hindu reported.

Minister Amaraweera had told The Hindu, “We will not allow Indian fishermen to do fishing even for a single day in our waters.”

In response to India’s proposal to allow Indian fishermen to fish for a few days each year, he told an agency, “Not 65 days, we will not agree for even 65 hours” and made it clear that the Sri Lankan navy would continue to arrest Indian fishermen if they were found in Sri Lankan waters.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson had said, “We also have concerns about Sri Lankan fishermen fishing in Indian waters. Frequently, Sri Lankan fishermen are apprehended in our waters. However, we recognise that this is a complex livelihood issue, which has a humanitarian dimension….In this context, such remarks are not helpful.”

The impasse between the two sides has grown in the past few months when Prime Minister Modi and President Sirisena had met and tasked the local fishermens’ associations with finding a solution to the decades-old problem of sovereignty in the waters. Sri Lanka contends that Indian fishermen use mechanised bottom trawlers that depletes fish population.

Earlier this month, the Sri Lankan Fishermen Federation took a “unanimous position” to ask the government to deny access to Indian fishermen, which would have an adverse impact on fishermen in Tamil Nadu who depend on the waters between the two countries for their livelihood.

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  Comments - 20

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  • Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 29 May 2015 02:22 PM

    Great decision, Mr. Minister. We are sovereign country with all the rights to our land and sea and we do not need any advice from a purported "Big Brother" to run our affairs. After all, we have had enough troubles with these jokers fromn Tamil Nadu and enough is enough because we are not responsible for their livelihood. Their "Amma" is now back in the saddle and let her take care of her "children" without getting their neighbours to look after them.

    Sarath Kumarage Sunday, 31 May 2015 04:38 PM

    I think this hardline stance against Indian in this instance is the right thing to do. No other country in the world would accept this kind of proposal. If India wants to use our waters for fishing they need to pay for it to put it frankly

    Christian Saturday, 30 May 2015 03:24 PM

    Indian fishermen family is very much poor compared to our Ones ..furthermore we have round the island to do the fishing but they have only limited area ...? If they allowed they might Rob not the fish but the family also ...

    Lanka Watch Saturday, 30 May 2015 02:33 AM

    Hon. Minister,please close this subject.Will India allow Pakistanis tress pass Indian land boarers.?

    Subha Saturday, 30 May 2015 12:09 AM

    Indian fishermen shud be shot n their boats destroyed.. Take Indonesia for example!

    gk Friday, 29 May 2015 08:34 PM

    No fish in indian water.

    Menike Friday, 29 May 2015 08:19 PM

    The problem is that Indians think that they have "rights" on what belongs to Sri Lanka. The Indian government should stop this type of remarks and make it clear to Indians that what belongs to India is Indian, and what belongs to other sovereign countries in the region is theirs, not for India to try and steal as the regional bully. Having destroyed Indian fish stock by bottom trawling Indians are now attempting to deplete Sri Lankan stocks.If it is a livelihood issue, it is for fisherman of both countries. India should stop trying to steal fish from Sri Lanka not for 65 days but even for 65 seconds...Both countries should respect international boundaries.

    vini Friday, 29 May 2015 06:52 PM

    One hour is too short. Make it 2 two hours, at least.

    Fanam Friday, 29 May 2015 04:17 PM

    India arrests SL fishermen in their water and we arrest Indian fishermen in our water. Why should we think different when India not doing it for SL? Even if we allow Indians in SL water and vise versa, we will lose as Indians outnumber SL fishermen. Best think is not to steal the livelihood of each other.

    Gamini Friday, 29 May 2015 03:44 PM

    Indian Fishemen should be allowed otherwise India will invade Sri Lanka.. Can SL bear the Indian Force..??

    upali Friday, 29 May 2015 11:31 AM

    Mr Minister this govt. will have to give in to India to keep them in tact , similarly you also will have to do so

    Suq Madique Friday, 29 May 2015 01:17 PM

    Our fishermen do not belong to syndicates that earn millions in poaching unlike the Indian fishermen. So there is no comparison or reason to allow to fish in our waters

    hiran Friday, 29 May 2015 01:14 PM

    India must know that they should not solve the livelihood issues of Indian fishermen by creating similar livelihood issues on Sri Lankan fishermen. It is an immoral act!

    pissu peekudu Friday, 29 May 2015 01:07 PM

    can you give your wife to your neighbour for one hour

    Henry Friday, 29 May 2015 12:54 PM

    Big Brother or a Regional Bully? SL is a sovereign country so please oblige the IMBL.

    Observer Friday, 29 May 2015 12:32 PM

    Why should we allow them to fish in our waters. After sometime our fish resources will fade away. India is surrounded by a big sea. They should fish in their waters, not in ours. Navy should arrest if Indians are fishing in our waters.

    Waco Friday, 29 May 2015 12:28 PM

    Keep to the Boundry lne. Do not trespass.

    lenny Friday, 29 May 2015 11:55 AM

    How come India wants all these concessions that benefit them, but we still have to obtain a visa prior to entering their country,,,,, typical bully.

    Sincere Friday, 29 May 2015 11:52 AM

    We stand by your decision Mr. Minister. Sri Lanka is not a part of India.

    saman Friday, 29 May 2015 11:39 AM

    SOLUTION = STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE MARITIME BORDER!!!


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