The Sri Lankan Fisheries Ministry has announced the termination of upcoming Indo-Sri Lankan discussions regarding the ongoing issue of illegal bottom trawling by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Marine Resources, R. Chandrasekhar, confirmed that talks between fishing groups from both countries have already ended, with the current focus now on technical discussions between the relevant agencies.
The decision comes after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised concerns over illegal fishing during his recent visit to New Delhi. In a joint statement following high-level talks between the leaders of both countries, it was noted that efforts would continue to address the issue in a “humane manner” while stressing the need to prevent aggressive behavior and violence. Both leaders acknowledged the severe environmental harm caused by bottom trawling, a practice that is prohibited in both nations, and emphasized the importance of taking measures to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
During his visit, President Dissanayake called on Indian authorities to take decisive action against the harmful fishing practice, which has been causing irreparable damage to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems. The issue has been a longstanding one, with Sri Lankan fishermen repeatedly highlighting the failure of Indian fishermen to adhere to previous agreements, including a 2014 accord that allowed a two-year grace period to transition to alternative, more sustainable fishing methods.
In 2017, Sri Lanka amended its Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, officially banning bottom trawling and classifying it as a punishable offense. Despite these efforts, many northern fishermen continue to express frustration over the lack of enforcement and the ongoing damage to their livelihoods. The government has now resolved to focus on technical solutions rather than further political discussions, aiming to address the concerns of local fishing communities and prevent the recurrence of harmful practices.
