Indian delegation arrives in SL for talks on bilateral fisheries cooperation amidst ongoing disputes
By: Isuru Parakrama
October 28, Colombo (LNW): A 12-member Indian delegation is set to arrive in Sri Lanka today (28) for comprehensive discussions on fisheries management and cooperative development initiatives between the two nations.
These discussions will commence tomorrow (29) at the Mahaweli Ministry auditorium in Colombo, according to informed sources.
The Sri Lankan delegation will include key representatives from multiple agencies, led by Fisheries Ministry Secretary Nishantha Wickramasinghe, along with Additional Secretary Dhammika Ranatunga, Fisheries Director General Susantha Kahawatta, and officials from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the Aquaculture Development Authority, the Coast Guard, Foreign Ministry, Attorney General’s Department, Navy, and Police.
Primary issues on the agenda include exploring diplomatic avenues to resolve the long-standing Indo–Sri Lanka fisheries disputes and fostering a cooperative framework for sustainable fishing practices.
A significant focus will be on addressing the adverse impacts of bottom trawling—a fishing practice known for its environmental harm and depletion of marine resources—which both sides aim to mitigate.
The talks are expected to bolster collaborative efforts, enhance regulatory mechanisms, and support long-term environmental sustainability in fisheries operations.
The fisheries crisis has long been standing in creation of a rift between the two neighbour countries, affecting the fishing community and subjugating them into marginalisation for breaching the territorial waters during fishing.
These expect to reflect both nations’ commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods dependent on this crucial sector.
