Strict measures to combat poaching in Northern waters

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry will take strict measures to ban Indian fishermen poaching in the Northern and Eastern waters of Sri Lankan.

Several discussions in this regard were held between the President,Defence Secretary and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

The minister disclosed this at a discussion with the fishermen of Mullaitivu and Mannar districts. The fishing community in the North and East have been affected by war in the past three decades. They are frustrated,because they have no freedom to engage in their livelihoods even after the dawn of peace and freedom due to the Indian fishermen poaching in Northern waters.

According to the Northern fishing community the Indian fishermen are crossing the Sri Lankan maritime border illegally and they are harvesting the fish resources in ample measure. Some times these Indian fishermen even try to harm the Sri Lankan fishermen.