Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has raised alarm over Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters, stressing the urgent need for a lasting solution to safeguard the livelihoods of northern fishermen.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the India Foundation during her three-day visit to New Delhi, Dr. Amarasuriya voiced strong concern over Indian fishermen engaging in bottom trawling and other harmful fishing practices. She noted that such activities severely affect Sri Lankan fishermen who are slowly rebuilding their lives after decades of conflict in the North.
Her remarks echoed those of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who in December made his first state visit to India after assuming office and highlighted the same issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders have acknowledged the complexity of the matter and emphasized that only careful dialogue can ensure a resolution that balances the needs of both sides.
“This is a matter that requires sensitive handling and sustainable solutions,” Dr. Amarasuriya said. “We are very aware of this and remain in constant dialogue to arrive at a reasonable outcome that will satisfy both parties.”
The event was attended by several high-profile Indian figures, including former President Ram Nath Kovind, senior ministers, diplomats, and members of the Indian government. It marked Dr. Amarasuriya’s final engagement before her departure to Colombo.
During her visit, she met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and other senior officials. Discussions focused on a range of bilateral issues, but the welfare of Indian fishermen remained central to talks, underlining the sensitive nature of the poaching dispute.
Analysts note that Indian fishermen, particularly from Tamil Nadu, have long crossed into Sri Lankan waters due to depleted stocks closer to India, while Sri Lankan authorities and fishing communities insist such practices violate sovereignty and threaten marine resources.
With both leaders committed to dialogue, the challenge lies in implementing sustainable, enforceable agreements that protect livelihoods on both sides of the Palk Strait without escalating tensions. For northern Sri Lankan fishermen, already vulnerable, the issue is not just about sovereignty but survival itself.
