Bottom-trawling must end in the interest of fishermen of Sri Lanka and India: C.V. Wigneswaran

28 February 2025 01:51 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

A A A

Join our WhatsApp Channel

The Hindu - Ending the destructive bottom-trawling method of fishing would safeguard the livelihoods of ordinary fishermen in Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka, former Chief Minister of Sri Lanka’s Northern Provincial Council C.V. Wigneswaran has said, urging Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to act on the long-persisting problem.

In a letter to Mr. Stalin, shared by Mr. Wigneswaran’s office with the media on Thursday [February 27, 2025], the former CM, former Jaffna parliamentarian, and retired Supreme Court judge said bottom trawling — which virtually scoops out fish, shrimps, eggs, other marine organisms from the seabed — had already severely impacted the marine resources along the Tamil Nadu coast. Recalling his engagement on the matter while in office, Mr. Wigneswaran said it was clear that if the fishing practice continued, the resources along Sri Lanka’s coastlines would be “completely wiped out”.

Since January 2025, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested over 100 Indian fishermen on charges of illegal fishing in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Last weekend, 32 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested, while five boats were seized, prompting Tamil Nadu fishermen to go on a strike.

Comments - 9

Ram P Friday, 28 February 2025 02:34 PM

Hello Wigi, where were you hiding after losing the elections ? My advise to you is to return to the hiding place or announce your retirement and stay at home.

6 8

Tilak Friday, 28 February 2025 02:54 PM

Trying to be relevant.... uttering something frequently like Namal and Gammanpila

5 11

Gabriella Friday, 28 February 2025 03:03 PM

The destruction caused by bottom trawling has already been aptly labelled by Rear Admiral retd. Ravi Wijegunewardena as a "Crime against humanity." He, marine biologists, and divers have repeatedly sounded the alarm regarding the Irreparable and long term ecological damage being done to the marine environment in the Palk Strait area and surrounds. This environmental catastrophe is sanctioned by Tamil Nadu politicians to appease their constituents. It is now incumbent on the Sri Lankan government to stand firm and stringently enforce the law, instead of contributing to the problem by playing "catch and release."

1 16

Lion Friday, 28 February 2025 03:35 PM

Thanks for talking of something very important to our country

1 6

C De Silva Friday, 28 February 2025 03:41 PM

Fascinating to see a comment like this now—after losing—when there was never a mention of it while representing the people of the region and living off the Sri Lankan taxpayer. I suppose when India was funding you during your time as an MP, it was difficult to speak out against your masters. Nevertheless, better late than never. At the very least, now is the time to fight for the people you failed to represent while in Parliament!

1 7

Big Sam Friday, 28 February 2025 04:48 PM

Whoa - where did this scavenger suddenly surface from. Did absolutely jack sh*t when he was the Chief Minister.

0 6

Spy Saturday, 01 March 2025 12:40 AM

This comment is from Summanthiran .

0 0

DOT Friday, 28 February 2025 05:35 PM

Good Morning ! Where were you before !

2 5

Thomas Saturday, 01 March 2025 02:21 AM

People like you have been a waste in the downtrodden Tamil Community while you were in power. Year after year you returned the money that was sent to develop the North and to uplift the lifestyle of downtrodden Community. All what you did was to get liquor permit for those who held up your tail. Given this, can you please take your well earned retirement rest and leave the present politicians to solve the problem.

0 4

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.