Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has underscored Sri Lanka’s concern over Indian fishermen poaching in Sri ankan waters.
The Indian media quoted Dr. Amarasuriya as having said at a reception hosted by the India Foundation that the issues, such as Indian fishermen fishing in Sri Lankan waters and engaging in harmful practices, like bottom trawling, was of deep concern to the fishermen in northern Sri Lanka, who are regaining their livelihoods after years of conflict.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake spoke on the same lines when he visited New Delhi in December last year. That was his first official visit after the presidential elections conducted in September .
“This is a matter that requires sensitive handling and sustainable solutions. We are very aware of this, and we are constantly in dialogue to try and find a reasonable solution that satisfies both parties.”
The event was attended by former President Ram Nath Kovind, in addition to a slate of former and current Union ministers and diplomats. The civic reception is Amarasuriya’s final event ahead of her departure to Sri Lanka after completing a three-day visit to New Delhi.
She called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit on Friday, while also meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior officials with the Indian government.
Modi and Amarasuriya discussed the welfare of Indian fishermen, which remains a sensitive issue between New Delhi and Colombo.