Douglas threatens to take fight to India

By Rasadhi Chathurangi Gamage - Vavuniya

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, speaking to representatives of fisheries societies in the North, said on Saturday (27), if Indian authorities do not take steps to prevent Indian fishermen from encroaching on Northern Seas of Sri Lanka, he will accompany about ten thousand boats of fishermen of the North into Indian territory and stage a protest. 

Devananda was in Mullaitivu for three days, 25, 26, and 27 February, to discuss problems faced by Northern fishermen. 

Devananda, who said it was his goal to prevent Indian fishermen from encroaching on Northern seas by the end 2021, also said that every possible step will be taken regarding this issue on behalf of fishermen of the North. 

Once this problem is resolved, the Minister said he will do everything in his capacity to raise the living standards of Northern fishermen in the next two years. He said further that until a solution is found, Northern fishermen should live in harmony.