Alleged decision to lease sea to Indian fishermen Mannar fishermen protest

By Romesh Madusanka   

Fishermen in Mannar yesterday staged a protest accusing the governments decision to lease the Sri Lankas northern sea belt for three days a week to Indian fishermen.   
The massive demonstration and protest had been organised by fisheries organisations, trader organisations and religious dignitaries including Catholic priests.

The protestors marched along the Bazzar Street to the main bus stand where they staged protest. All business establishments in Mannar town had put up shutters to support the protest.   
They said they had received reliable information on talks now being held between the government and Indian authorities on the proposed leasing of the Sri Lankan sea belt to the Indian fishhermen for three days a week and demanded the immediate suspension of the decision and to take steps to prevent Indian fishermen from poaching in Sri Lankan waters.   
“ Poaching in Sri Lankan waters has been going on unchecked, excluding the arrest of several of them by the Navy. This has seriously affected the fisheries industry in the North and the economy of the fisher folk. The government that ignored the issues affecting the Sri Lankan fishermen is planning to lease the sea belt to Indian fishermen and aggravate the already tense situation.” They further said.