Will continue to arrest Indian fishermen if they poach in our waters- Minister

By Kelum Bandara

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said yesterday that Sri Lankan authorities would continue to arrest Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters.  

The Minister told Daily Mirror Sri Lanka’s maritime resources are being damaged by unlawful fishing activities.  
“If they cross the international maritime boundary line to poach in our waters, we will be compelled to arrest them,” he said.   

The Minister said Sri Lankan fishermen were agitated over the activities of South Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.  

Poaching continues despite efforts and initiatives by both countries to address the problem for more than a decade now. Encouraging Tamil Nadu fishermen to undertake deep sea fishing, regular dialogues between the representatives of the fisheries communities of both sides and joint management of fisheries resources are some of the measures being proposed over a considerable period to address the issue.