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Indo-Sri Lanka talks to release more Indian boats
View(s):Negotiations between Sri Lanka and India are under way to release more Indian boats seized after they were caught fishing in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera said the Indian Govt had requested the boats be released, as Sri Lanka was encouraged by the commitment shown on the Indian side to tackle several concerns raised by the country. Over 100 Indian boats are currently in Sri Lanka’s custody.
Mr Amaraweera said instances of Indian fishing vessels crossing the maritime border and poaching in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters had reduced by as much as 50%. “India is also taking steps to phase out bottom trawling by converting the vessels into deep-sea fishing trawlers,” he added. Sri Lanka currently has 142 Indian bottom trawlers in its custody, after they were caught poaching in Sri Lankan waters. Last week, the Govt announced steps are being taken to release 42 of them.
The Indian fishermen will have to come to Sri Lanka to take them back. However, the boats, which have remained in Sri Lankan custody for a long time, are seriously damaged after being in long anchorage at the jetties. The Indian fishermen will have to repair the boats at their own expense, before taking them back to India, the Govt insists.