Enhanced security after Indian and Lankan IMBL monitoring
Chamikara WEERASINGHE
The seas northwest of Mannar, where poaching was rampant in Sri
Lankan waters have been quiet and calm following diplomatic actions
taken by the Indian and Sri Lankan governments. to respect International
Maritime Boundary Lines (IMBL) between the two countries on a pragmatic
footing.
The situation in the eastern and northern seas were stable during the
annual feast of St Anthony’s church in the Kachchativu island on March 3
and 4, said Sri Lanka Navy spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya.
Over 5,000 Indian devotees received permission to participate in the
feast. “The Indian Coast Guard handed them over to us at the
International Maritime Boundary Line. We escorted the pilgrims from
there to the Kachchativu island.”
“Indian and Sri Lankan devotees participated in St Anthony’s Church
Festival for two days. The Navy provided food and refreshments for them
besides other facilities.” he said.
“We recently handed over 22 Indian fishermen, who were arrested for
poaching in Sri Lankan waters,”he said.
“We assist the Sri Lankan Coast Guard in our territorial waters.
“We are always in close communication with the Indian Coast Guard and
have cordial relations with them,” he said. |