Navy lifts all bans on fishing in Trincomalee outer harbor

The Sri Lanka Navy has lifted all bans imposed on fishermen within the Trincomalee outer harbor with effect from Wednesday, Eastern Province Governor Mohan Wijewickrama said.

Although there were no terrorist activities since the end of the conflict three years ago, the restrictions imposed by the Navy remained in effect in the seas off the harbor area to curtail illegal activities carried out by certain groups. According to the authorities, the regulations were in effect for the safety of the fisher community in the outer harbor areas of Muttur, Kinniya, China Bay, Wellamanal and Cod Bay.

The authorities have arrived in the decision to lift the regulations following the discussions the Trincomalee Sri Lanka Freedom Party Organiser Abdul Najib had with the Eastern Province Governor and the Defence Secretary, the state-run ITN reported. Following the discussions the authorities have decided that it is possible to grant relief to the fishermen now.