Minister to talk to India on fishermen’s issue

Quote from Daily Mirror on
Thursday, 13 May 2010


By Yohan Perera

Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne is to meet India’s External Affairs Minister and the Fisheries Minister to discuss matters regarding Sri Lankan fishermen who are being detained in India.

Dr. Senaratne said he was keen on taking this matter up with India on behalf of the fishermen’s families.

The meeting was arranged by Caritas Sri Lanka, the social service arm of the Catholic Church.

He said he fully underststood the difficulties faced by the Sri Lankan fishermen who were being held in India and pointed out that the fishermen should avoid encroaching on the territorial waters of India.

According to reports some ten fishing boats belonging to fishermen from Dondra, Matara and Chilaw are in Indian custody.

Family members said their loved ones were confined without the provision of sanitary facilities or a piece of soap.

Caritas Sri Lanka National Director Rev. Fr. George Sigamani and Public Relations Officer S. P. Anthoneymuttu participated at the meeting with the fishermen’s families. It was also reported earlier that both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen associations were planning to set up an Indo-Lanka Fisher Folk Platform to address issues faced by fishermen.