Sri Lanka govt. keen to resolve fishermen issue

Notwithstanding Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera’s rejection of the demand by Indian fishermen for 83 days of fishing in Sri Lankan waters for three years, the Sri Lankan government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the governments of India and Sri Lanka will continue the process of dialogue on the issue to seek “satisfactory short-term and long-term solutions.”

Pointing out that this would be done “in the spirit of goodwill and understanding that exists,” the Ministry, in a statement, referred to discussions between the two governments, apart from one round of talks between fishermen of the two countries. The Sri Lankan fishermen had turned down the demand of their Indian counterparts and this was “duly conveyed” through the Indian government.

The release added that “there is full appreciation on both sides of [the governments of] the livelihood and humanitarian dimensions of the issue.”

“The governments will continue the process of dialogue”