India has urged the Government of Sri Lanka to release Indian fishermen and their boats under Sri Lankan custody as soon as possible and pointed out that the increase in the detention of Indian fishermen and their boats and the imposition of lengthy sentences and heavy fines, need to uphold established understandings and modalities on issues related to fishermen.
The sixth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries was held on Tuesday (29) in Colombo. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary of the Department of Fisheries of the Government of India Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi and included senior officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, and the High Commission of India in Colombo.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe and included senior officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Navy, the Coast Guard and the Department of the Attorney General.
Both sides agreed that the highest priority should be accorded to address the various issues faced by fishermen in a humanitarian manner as they pertain to livelihood concerns on both the sides. They also agreed that only a humane, constructive and cooperative approach can create a durable basis for addressing the issues faced by fishermen.
Highlighting the ongoing cooperation between the Indian Naval and Coast Guard authorities and their Sri Lankan counterparts, both sides agreed to continue enhanced cooperation, including on surveillance and patrolling, maintaining regular contacts through their hotline, and all other operational matters. The Indian side drew attention to the recent incidents at sea leading to injuries and the loss of lives, and reiterated that the use of force should be avoided under all circumstances.
The Indian side also reiterated its request to schedule the meeting of the Fishermen’s Associations between the two countries at the earliest. The two sides agreed to meet regularly and continue to have comprehensive discussions on the issues related to fishermen for finding a mutually acceptable and long-lasting solution.