A call to resolve the TN fishermen issue

According to recent news reports, Indian PM Modi is expected to discuss the issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen “invading Sri Lankan territory” and plundering our marine resources. This has gone on for years and the constant request had been to continue to talk and years have rolled by and now, is it “till thy kingdom come.”

It’s an incontrovertible fact that in 1974 after exhaustive discussions between the leaders of both countries the Maritime Boundaries agreement was signed. This was possible as the relations were cordial and this Agreement was to consolidate that relationship where citizens of both countries could exist in harmony. 

What prevails today is an issue created by the Tamil Nadu state government to embarrass the centre and I find it extremely difficult to figure out how Sri Lanka can resolve this matter.

It is indeed admirable that the government of Sri Modi is pursuing a NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST policy and made giant strides to heal past prejudices and valiantly moved to consolidate good relations which is a must if India can be trusted as a good neighbour. I have no doubt that all citizens unanimously thank India for rushing to help us when our corrupt politicians bankrupted the country.

Humanitarian issues of Indians comes within India and humanitarian issues of Sri Lankans is the responsibility of our government.

We the citizens of the country as a whole kindly request your Excellency  to deploy the coast guard and put a stop to this invasion and reach the International Court and obtain a ruling so that there will be a solution at least in 2025.

Darrel Fernando