Indian poaching: Devananda meets American envoy

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda has discussed continuing Indian poaching in Northern and Eastern waters of Sri Lanka with Martin K. Kelly of the US Embassy in Colombo.

A statement issued by the Fisheries Ministry on Monday (13) quoted Kelly as having asked EPDP leader Devananda whether the issue had been raised with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.

Devananda said he had taken it up with CM Stalin and the TN fisheries minister. Though they responded to his concerns, Tamil Nadu and the Indian government were reluctant to take tangible measures to stop poaching.

Devananda has told Kelly that he would seek the US Ambassdor’s assistance to resolve the problem adversely affecting Lankan poor fishers.