Prevention of Illegal fishing by Indian fishermen Douglas requests Dr. Jaishankar to implement proposals

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda who met Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar requested the implementation of proposals submitted by him to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevent illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters by Indian fishermen, a statement from his office said.   

The statement said the minister had discussions with the Indian Minister regarding illegal fishing activities and the encroachment by Indian multiple-day fishing boats into Sri Lankan territorial waters. 

Mr. Devananda said that this issue affects both the marine environment and the Sri Lankan fishermen severely and immediate action should be taken to stop this. He said that during his visit to India with then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, measures to be taken in this regard was  handed over to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 He requested the Indian Foreign Minister to take necessary action as soon as possible.  

During the discussions the Indian Foreign Minister has stated that the Indian Government is always vigilant and holds discussions with the relevant state governments in order to take legal action. 

 
Expressing his views at the meeting, Minister Devananda said that, since the environmental organizations and fisheries co-operative unions of Sri Lanka have filed cases at the Court of Appeal against him as well as the Ministry officials, the Attorney General, Army Commander, Air-Force Commander and the Inspector General of Police, this issue should be  resolved as soon as possible.  

Many officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Mrs. Indra Rathnayake, the  Director General of the Fisheries Department Susantha Kahawaththa, Director General of  Fisheries Ministry (Technical) Dhammika Ranathunga attended this meeting.