• Raise concern over sea cucumber farming 

Representatives of Northern Province fishermen’s associations, Annalingam Annarasa and Nagarasa Varnakulasinham, have raised concerns over the activities of foreign fishing vessels in Sri Lankan waters and the potential impact of sea cucumber farming projects linked to Chinese companies on Northern fishermen and marine ecosystems.

Addressing the longstanding India-Sri Lanka fisheries dispute in Jaffna yesterday (8), they welcomed recent observations by the Indian Central Government in the Indian Supreme Court urging Indian fishermen not to cross the international maritime boundary into Sri Lankan waters.

They said the observations highlighted the continuing dispute over fishing around Katchatheevu, the depletion and pollution of marine resources on the Indian side and the resulting pressure on Sri Lankan waters.

They stressed the need for appropriate measures to protect the livelihoods of fishermen in both countries while ending illegal and destructive fishing practices.

Annarasa has consistently opposed the use of illegal bottom trawling in the India-Sri Lanka fisheries dispute, citing its destructive impact on marine resources and local fishing communities.

The representatives called for stronger measures to safeguard the rights of Northern fishermen, protect marine resources and ensure sustainable livelihoods for future generations.

They also urged the Government to introduce a clear policy and take practical measures to address the challenges faced by the Northern fishing community and ensure the sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.