Fishermen issue; Sampanthan suggests Joint Naval patrols

Opposition Leader R.Sampanthan has suggested that India and Sri Lanka should hold joint naval patrols to prevent fishermen from poaching in each others’ waters.

He was speaking during a debate in the House on alleged poaching by Indian fishermen in northern Sri Lanka. The issue was raised in an adjournment motion moved by Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath.

Sampanthan stated that the incursions had also raised tensions between the two countries and should be resolved amicably. It is a matter that raises hostilities between the people of the two countries. The government of Sri Lanka must take some action with the Indian government and Tamil Nadu state government.

Sampanthan went on that India’s navy and the coastguard should work together with Sri Lankan counterparts to patrol their international maritime border. The action could be for the navy to patrol the border. Both Indian and Sri Lankan navies should carry out joint patrolling that will prevent Indian fishermen and their trawlers from coming in. It can be a joint exercise where their navies are engaged. Their coast guards are also engaged.

He pointed out that the fishermen violating each other’s territorial waters has become a thorny issue in the Indo-Lanka relations and all previous attempts have failed to amicably resolve the problem.