By Skandha Gunasekara The Navy could only enforce laws as stipulated by Sri Lankan and international maritime laws when it came across errant foreign fishermen trespassing in Lankan waters. Navy Spokesman Lt. Commander Isuru Sooriyabandara said the Navy was limited in what it could do. “This is a long-standing issue and one that has been under discussion by a joint committee with representatives of both countries for some time now. We can only take action according to the Fisheries (and Aquatic Resources) Act and international maritime laws. We hope that the bilateral talks will yield a sustainable, long-term solution to this persistent problem,” he said. He noted that the Fisheries (and Aquatic Resources) Act was amended in 2018, extending the power of the Navy. “We will take action such as arresting the fishermen that cross the maritime boundary and confiscate their crafts. The 2018 amendment to the Fisheries (and Aquatic Resources Act) gave more powers to the Navy in this regard, but we have limited resources and over 500 Indian fishing craft enter waters on a daily basis.” This comes after Northern Province Governor M.P.S. Charles remarked recently that Indian fishermen were entering Lankan waters unchecked.