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Kachchativu talks: Lankan fishermen reject Indian plea for grace period
Informal talks between the fisherfolk communities of northern Sri Lanka and southern India were held on the eve of the St Anthony’s feast in Kachatheevu but they ended inconclusively on Friday.
This came after Sri Lankan fishermen refused to give any more ‘grace period’ for Indian bottom trawlers in Sri Lankan waters.
The meeting which was presided over by Fisheires Minister Douglas Devanada saw representatives of fishermen expressed their concerns on the recent deaths of fishermen from both sides at mid-sea, alleged assault incidents, security of fishermen and their livelihoods.
Indian fishermen who took part in the informal talks with Lankan fishermen in a goodwill gesture presented a silk shawl to Northern Navy Commander Priyantha Perera
At the outset of the talks, Sri Lankan fishermen from Jaffna, Point Pedro, Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu and Mannar made it clear they would not accept bottom trawlers entering into the country’s waters. They pointed out they were already feeling the impact of extensive trawling in the northern seas with a dwindling catch and the depletion of some fish varieties in addition to the challenges caused by uncertain weather conditions.
Jaffna Fisheries Federation President Annalingam Annarasa who took part in the talks told the Sunday Times this was a good opportunity ahead of official talks to tell the Indian side of the difficulties they went through.
Tamil Nadu Coastal Mechanised Fishermen Association president P. Sesuraja who represented the Indian said that with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu state government, bottom trawlers were being converted into multi-day fishing vessels to encourage their fishermen to engage in deep sea fishing rather than coming towards Sri Lankan sea.
The Rameswaram union leader said that both fisher communities who trace their social and cultural relations for centuries should maintain cordial relationships.
Meanwhile, as part of his visit to the north, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley is scheduled to hand over dry ration relief packages each worth Rs 5,800 to Sri Lankan fishermen today (Sunday).
The move came after China’s ambassador Qi Zhenhong during a visit to the north of Sri Lanka provided Rs ten million worth of relief packages and fishing equipment to Sri Lankan fishermen who have been demanding compensation due to damage caused to them by Indian bottom trawling.
Chinese joint ventures for sea cucumber hatcheries have also come up in the north to meet the increasing export demand to China and other Southeast Asian nations.
Earlier a decision was taken by local authorities not to allow Indian devotees to attend the feast due to the COVID 19 situation, but following appeals from India the decision was revised and a limited group was allowed.
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