Fishing restrictions to be eased in North

Rafik JALALDEEN

The Government will gradually ease fishing restrictions, which were imposed in the Northeastern sea during the conflict.

Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda said the Government wanted to ease the restrictions on the fishing community imposed in the Northeastern sea following the eradication of LTTE terrorism. "I have been directed by the Government to ease the fishing restrictions imposed during the conflict and we are working on it," he added.

The fishing community had undergone severe hardships due to the fishing restrictions, particularly in the Northeastern sea.

The Government had to control fishing activities to control LTTE activities in the sea

"We were compelled to impose fishing restrictions in the Northeastern seas during the war as the LTTE took advantage to carry out their activities against the Security Forces by mingling with fishermen," the Navy Commander said.

The fishermen had to register at the Marshalling point before they leave for fishing.

They were allowed fishing up to a certain distance within a restricted time period.