Fisheries Minister invites Indian politicians to see destruction caused by Indian fishermen

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera has invited the Indian politicians to witness the destructions caused by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.

At a meeting held at the Fisheries Market Complex at Peliyagoda recently, the Minister has pointed out that the method of bottom trawling adopted by Indian fishermen not only impacts their way of sustenance adversely but also destroys the whole seabed.

During his recent visit in the northern peninsula, the Minister said the foremost request the northern fishermen had was to prevent the destructive fishing activities committed by the Indian fishermen such as proscribed bottom trawling, which ravages the seabed and deprives them of their only livelihood.

The Minister said he had witnessed the bottom trawling activities committed by Indian fishermen while on board a Dvora craft belonging to Sri Lanka Naval Base at Kankasanthurai.

Minister Amaraweera said the instructions issued by him for Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard Department to intensify the apprehensions of Indian fishermen engaged in illegal fishing activities had led to increase the number of arrests and that resulted him being named as the villain of India.

The Minister added that he was being vehemently criticised by Indian politicians for his stance and the responsibilities of the Indian fishermen should be held by India.

Pointing out that as the Minister the responsibilities of the fishermen were rested on him and hence he was not afraid to face the wrath of anyone, the Minister assured he would take stern action against poaching Indian fishermen. (Colombopage)