As opposition against Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan territorial waters without permission is on the rise, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Douglas Devananda has revealed that a cabinet paper is to be submitted seeking approval to obtain compensation from the Indian Government for the damages caused by Indian fishermen’s activities in Sri Lankan waters to Sri Lanka’s marine resources and fishermen, and that discussions will be held with the Indian High Commission to find a just solution.
The situation has in fact become a security threat. Fisheries groups allege that Indian fishermen assault Sri Lankan fishermen, and that the recent deaths of two local fishermen are the result of such attacks, while on several previous occasions, they have pointed out that Indian fishermen encroach in large groups and harm Sri Lanka’s marine resources by using harmful fishing methods and equipment.
The fact that the two countries have not been able to bring about some kind of stable solution to this issue despite multiple discussions over many years, is worrying. What is more worrying is the complexity of this issue, and the fact that this entails the economic hardships of both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen as well as politics. Speaking of politics, certain Indian politicians, especially those in Tamil Nadu, have been actively rejecting Sri Lankan authorities’ steps, while also urging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action to stop the auctioning of seized boats and to expedite the release of apprehended Indian fishermen. It is also noteworthy that this is being done in a context where certain Tamil Nadu politicians are alleged to be directly involved in directing fishermen to enter Sri Lankan waters for fishing activities.
The Sri Lankan authorities, i.e. the Government and the Navy, have taken a number of measures to deter Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan waters without permission. Even though some such measures, such as auctioning seized vessels, have been condemned by the Indian authorities, those have proven to be useful deterrents, and demanding compensation for the damages done to Sri Lankan fishermen and fisheries resources, is another admirable move.
However, we must not forget that as much as these steps look effective and beneficial to Sri Lanka, they are short-term measures and are not pre-emptive ones. To effectively address this decades-long issue, both countries need to employ more long-term measures, especially those aimed at preventing the violation of international maritime borders.
With regard to preventing illegal fishing, it is also important to note that the Sri Lankan authorities’ responsibilities are not limited to taking steps within Sri Lanka. Now that more discussions are slated to be conducted in the near future with the Indian authorities, Sri Lanka should prioritise reminding India of its responsibilities in addressing this issue, especially because it is Indian fishermen who enter Sri Lankan waters in almost all the instances. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s message to India should include that Sri Lanka will not have to react to Indian fishermen’s illegal activities so harshly, if India took measures to prevent such activities in the first place. Most importantly, Sri Lanka needs to convey to India that if India is not taking measures to prevent illegal fishing activities by Indian fishermen, Sri Lanka will have to continue to take stern measures.
What is important at this juncture is letting India know of Sri Lanka’s stance and Sri Lanka’s proposals, and also the fact that Sri Lanka is merely trying to protect its territorial waters and resources that are rightfully owned by Sri Lanka. The proposals Sri Lanka has may not be perfect. However, it is crucial to have a proper stance in terms of what Sri Lanka wants and what Sri Lanka can do, instead of waiting for India’s proposals, which are more likely to be advantageous to India. Simultaneously, Sri Lankan authorities need to give more opportunities for local fishermen to express their grievances and to put forward their suggestions.Tackling Tamil Nadu’s fishy problem
09 Feb 2022
Tackling Tamil Nadu’s fishy problem
09 Feb 2022
As opposition against Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan territorial waters without permission is on the rise, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Douglas Devananda has revealed that a cabinet paper is to be submitted seeking approval to obtain compensation from the Indian Government for the damages caused by Indian fishermen’s activities in Sri Lankan waters to Sri Lanka’s marine resources and fishermen, and that discussions will be held with the Indian High Commission to find a just solution.
The situation has in fact become a security threat. Fisheries groups allege that Indian fishermen assault Sri Lankan fishermen, and that the recent deaths of two local fishermen are the result of such attacks, while on several previous occasions, they have pointed out that Indian fishermen encroach in large groups and harm Sri Lanka’s marine resources by using harmful fishing methods and equipment.
The fact that the two countries have not been able to bring about some kind of stable solution to this issue despite multiple discussions over many years, is worrying. What is more worrying is the complexity of this issue, and the fact that this entails the economic hardships of both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen as well as politics. Speaking of politics, certain Indian politicians, especially those in Tamil Nadu, have been actively rejecting Sri Lankan authorities’ steps, while also urging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action to stop the auctioning of seized boats and to expedite the release of apprehended Indian fishermen. It is also noteworthy that this is being done in a context where certain Tamil Nadu politicians are alleged to be directly involved in directing fishermen to enter Sri Lankan waters for fishing activities.
The Sri Lankan authorities, i.e. the Government and the Navy, have taken a number of measures to deter Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan waters without permission. Even though some such measures, such as auctioning seized vessels, have been condemned by the Indian authorities, those have proven to be useful deterrents, and demanding compensation for the damages done to Sri Lankan fishermen and fisheries resources, is another admirable move.
However, we must not forget that as much as these steps look effective and beneficial to Sri Lanka, they are short-term measures and are not pre-emptive ones. To effectively address this decades-long issue, both countries need to employ more long-term measures, especially those aimed at preventing the violation of international maritime borders.
With regard to preventing illegal fishing, it is also important to note that the Sri Lankan authorities’ responsibilities are not limited to taking steps within Sri Lanka. Now that more discussions are slated to be conducted in the near future with the Indian authorities, Sri Lanka should prioritise reminding India of its responsibilities in addressing this issue, especially because it is Indian fishermen who enter Sri Lankan waters in almost all the instances. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s message to India should include that Sri Lanka will not have to react to Indian fishermen’s illegal activities so harshly, if India took measures to prevent such activities in the first place. Most importantly, Sri Lanka needs to convey to India that if India is not taking measures to prevent illegal fishing activities by Indian fishermen, Sri Lanka will have to continue to take stern measures.
What is important at this juncture is letting India know of Sri Lanka’s stance and Sri Lanka’s proposals, and also the fact that Sri Lanka is merely trying to protect its territorial waters and resources that are rightfully owned by Sri Lanka. The proposals Sri Lanka has may not be perfect. However, it is crucial to have a proper stance in terms of what Sri Lanka wants and what Sri Lanka can do, instead of waiting for India’s proposals, which are more likely to be advantageous to India. Simultaneously, Sri Lankan authorities need to give more opportunities for local fishermen to express their grievances and to put forward their suggestions.Kapruka
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!