Sri Lanka's Appeal for Action on Illegal Fishing
Bimal Rathnayake, Sri Lanka's Leader of the House, urges India and Tamil Nadu to take action against illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
Emphasizes the importance of protecting the livelihood of Tamil-speaking fishermen in Sri Lanka's Northern Province.
Fishing Disputes and Environmental Concerns
Sri Lankan fishermen are impacted by illegal fishing practices, including bottom trawling by Indian fishermen, which damages marine ecosystems.
There is an economic imbalance between Sri Lanka’s traditional fishermen and wealthier Tamil Nadu fishermen.
Challenges for Indian Fishermen
Indian fishermen face limited fishing areas in Tamil Nadu due to regulations.
Deep-sea fishing is costly and requires significant changes in fishing practices, which is difficult for traditional fishermen.
The Palk Bay deep-sea fishing scheme has been ineffective in addressing the issue since its launch in 2017.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) offers support for sustainable fishing practices but can be better integrated with the Palk Bay scheme to promote deep-sea fishing.
Need for Talks and Resolution
Both India and Sri Lanka have shown interest in resuming talks between fishermen.
Sri Lanka's government should prioritize these discussions to resolve the issue, especially during PM Modi's visit in April.
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