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SL to discuss maritime security with Maldives and India

10 Nov 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lankan government delegation currently attending the SAARC summit in Addu, will be holding bilateral discussions with their Indian and Maldivian counterparts over maritime security.

A senior Sri Lankan government official speaking on grounds of anonymity told Haveeru that the current delegation would be taking the opportunity to raise issues related to the escalation of poaching piracy and maritime terrorism.

He said that plans have been made to speak with the heads of the Indian and Maldivian government delegations on the issue.

"This move comes during a time when the Indian Ocean countries are faced with a common issue. This matter has been raised in several maritime symposiums and during diplomatic discussions. However, it has not been seriously dealt with," he said.

"The Sri Lankan government plans to make progress in finding a solution to this issue. We hope to build a consensus between India and the Maldives in order to negate the problem we are faced with," he said.

It is learnt that plans are also being made to hold joint naval exercises with the involvement of the Sri Lankan, Indian and Maldivian navies in a bid to strengthen regional cooperation and maritime security.

"We are currently working closely with the Maldivian Defence establishments and have been sharing intelligence for a while," he said.

He added that one of the major issues Sri Lanka is faced with is poaching carried out by South Indian fishermen who illegally enter Sri Lankan territorial waters.

This week, J. Jayalalithaa, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu accused the Sri Lankan Navy for attacking Indian fishermen.

The Chief Minister urged Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take stern action against the Sri Lankan government.

"I request you to kindly take a strong stand against the government of Sri Lanka with regard to such attacks on our fishermen and convey your serious apprehension through tough words and action," she said in a letter drafted to the Indian Premier.

The Sri Lanka Navy denied attacks on the Indian fisherman calling the accusations baseless. (Source: Haveeru)

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SL to discuss maritime security with Maldives and India

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