To solve Indian fisher poaching issue: Three-member committee appointed

A three-member committee has been appointed to find a permanent solution to the Indian fisher poaching problem by Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, the Fisheries Ministry in a statement said yesterday (25).

The committee members are from the public sector holding positions of responsibility.

“This three-member committee, after holding consultations with officials from the Ministry, Fisheries Department and Coastguard and also with fishery societies/organisations   are expected to present their proposals as to how to solve the Indian fisher poaching issue, with the underlining factor being to put a stop to such poaching,” the statement said.

Furthermore, it was due to the lack of concern of breaking the law that resulted in the recent death of four Indian fisher poachers on 18 January, the statement said.

The Ministry said due to Indian fisher poaching, not only are local fishers being deprived of their livelihoods, but such poachers also indulge in the illegal practice of destroying Sri Lanka’s marine resources.

Consequently, local fishers have been consistently appealing to the authorities to put an end to Indian fisher poaching. Subsequently, the Navy intervened to put a stop to such poaching, the Ministry said. This resulted in the recent death of four Indian fishers due to the latter’s lack of concern in breaking the law, the Ministry statement in conclusion said. (PA)