We want WIn-Win Solution on Indian- SL fisheries dispute

Thank You Vivek for your message and the article of Prof. V. Suriyakumaran I got today on Indian-SL fisheries dispute, V.Vivekanandan, an Indian fisheries experts who is working with us on India-Sri Lanka cross boarder fisheries issues sent the message and article. He had shared an article which was appeared in The New Indian Express news paper, which was written by Professor V.Suriyanarayan, fellow at South and South East Asian studies, Madras University. His views shows some indication to have Win-Win solution to indian- Sri Lanka cross boarder fisheries dispute. The theme says, "Share Blame for fishing dispute" and his thoughts and writing shows some what modest approach to find solution. It is interesting to see the changes of his mind about the Kachchathivu as he says, the Indian- Sri Lanka fisheries issue much more depth than Kachchathivu island. Because, Prof. Suriyanarayan was the one who brought Kachchathivu island in to the fisheries debate. Now this ideology is in the hands of the Tamil Nadu politicians and fishermen. So, he is dropped his pushing on Kachchathivu issue. Kachchathivu is an tiny island just in the Sri Lankan side, once the demarckation of Indian- Sri Lanka maritime boundary line. So, it is one good sign of the changes of the minds of scholars and come out with modest approach for the dispute. Also, Prof. Suriyanarayan has appreciated the engagement of fisheries and civil society organizations to have people to people dialogue to find a solution for the dispute. However, we do not see any positive sign of the use of former experiences and the experience fishermen to the proposed dialogue between TN and SL fishermen on 20th January. Both Mohommed Alam, the Mannar district fishermen federation chair person and Emeliyanus Pillai, the Jaffna district federation chair person has shared their concerns about who are the persons to represent SL fishermen delegation as they were not informed yet about the dialogue and the requirements of their participation. So, we are awaiting to see the developments of the dialogues. Fisheries minister Rajitha Senarathne, strongly rejected the fisheries agreement we came up after the dialogue between SL and TN fisher leaders. One of the claim of the minister Rajitha was that there is no role to play by the fisheries organizations. It is only the GOSL and GOI has the responsibility. But, it is a progressive development of the authorities to get the engagement of the fishermen to dialogue table. We are looking forward to see an amicable solution which is acceptable to both SL and Indian fishermen. Herman