Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar yesterday (5) appealed to Sri Lankan fishermen to avoid sailing beyond the country’s maritime boundaries in view of the tense situation unfolding in regional and international waters.

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister stressed that fishermen should strictly remain within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters and refrain from entering the maritime zones of other countries.

His remarks came while addressing concerns related to recent developments at sea, including reports that an Iranian warship had been sunk following a torpedo attack by a United States submarine. He also referred to another Iranian vessel that is currently stationed in Sri Lankan waters.

Chandrasekar said the Government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of local fishing communities.

“In the present circumstances, we request all fishermen not to cross Sri Lanka’s maritime borders and to avoid entering the maritime territories of other nations,” he urged.