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Sri Lanka says talks with India on fishing issue to continue

Xinhua, June 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Sri Lanka said on Monday that it would continue to engage with India on the fishermen issue, to seek satisfactory short-term and long-term solutions.

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said that it is aware of media reports of remarks made by the minister of fisheries who had said that he had rejected a proposal by India to resolve the fishing issue.

The Foreign Ministry, however, said that Sri Lanka recognizes that the issue of Indian fishermen fishing in Sri Lankan waters is one that requires the careful attention of the authorities on both sides, especially in view of the impact on livelihoods of both Sri Lankan fishermen in the North of the country as well as Indian fishermen. "The Sri Lankan fishermen in the North have recommenced their livelihood after many years of conflict and their concerns therefore require special attention. The issue is one that has environmental implications as well for Sri Lanka, arising from the methods of fishing used, especially bottom trawling. The matter of Indian fishermen apprehended in Sri Lankan waters is approached from a humanitarian perspective in view of the livelihood dimension involved. All efforts are therefore taken to ensure their expeditious release,"the Foreign Ministry said.

Consultations between the two governments on these issues have taken place at various levels over time and discussions are continuing.

A request made earlier by Indian fishermen to engage in fishing in Sri Lankan waters for 83 days per year for three years had been duly considered, but rejected by the Sri Lankan fishermen. Endi