Solution to poaching in Lankan waters: Contradictory statements from Fisheries Minister

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda on Wednesday (7) contradicted a statement attributed to him regarding the continuing crisis over the Indian fishing fleet invading Sri Lankan waters.

The Fisheries Ministry quoted the EPDP leader Devananda as having told fisheries sector trade unions, at separate meetings held at his ministry that the Indian fishing fleet would be prevented from entering Sri Lankan waters before the end of 2021. Trade union representatives were accompanied by former lawmaker Nihal Galappaththi.

The assurance was given in the wake of fisheries trade unions complaining about Indian poaching and continuing harassment of Sri Lankan trawlers by the Indian Coast Guard when entering the Arabian sea via the Indian Ocean.

Minister Devananda explained steps taken by him to bring the situation under control. Claiming that he had held more than four rounds of talks with India, Minister Devananda said the talks meant to reach a consensus in that regard were continuing.

Pointing out that the northern fishing community had been the worst affected due to unbridled Indian poaching, Minister Devananda said that the impact would be devastating.

The Minister said that during his visit to New Delhi with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa last year, they had reached a consensus with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in that regard. However, it had not been possible to implement what was agreed upon due to outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister assured that once the ongoing Indian elections were over, he would seek Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s assistance having received instructions from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa to address the long-standing issue.

The minister said that pending finalisation of the proposed solution, illegal bottom-trawling had been prohibited and the Navy issued instructions to arrest those violating Sri Lankan waters.

However, a week ago, Minister Devananda said that he proposed to introduce a licence system under which Indian fishermen would be allowed to catch fish in the northern waters. They would be able to engage in fishing under tough conditions and controls, the former militant said.

In a statement issued by the ministry, the EPDP leader was quoted as having said that Sri Lanka could collect substantial revenue by issuing licenses to Indian fishermen and the project could be implemented under the supervision of the Navy.