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Tough stand against Indian bottom trawling in Lankan waters; Vicar of Jaffna rings in warning
View(s):By S. Rubatheesan
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda yesterday reiterated that the government’s stand was that those who enter into the country’s territorial waters will be dealt with as per the country’s law.
Addressing the media following the feast of St Anthony’s in the uninhabited island of Kachchatheevu yesterday, Vice Admiral Banagoda said the Navy is vested with powers to protect the country’s fisheries resources.
Indian media posed questions on the ongoing frequent arrests of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan territorial sea for engaging in bottom trawling, a harmful, Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing method banned in the country.
Unlike in the previous feasts, this time a ‘special message’ from the Navy Commander was shared by the Vicar General of Jaffna Diocese Rev. Fr. P. J. Jebaratnam during his vote of thanks, saying that fishermen should be mindful of ‘protecting marine resources and leaving something left for future generations to explore’ as well at the end of the mass.
“What we are enjoying now is something that has got to do with our ancestors, who were mindful of not over exploiting resources. We have to be mindful of what we leave for future generations as well,” Fr. Jebaratnam elaborated.
Last year, Indian fishermen boycotted the feast protesting the tough steps taken by the government on Indian bottom trawlers that frequently engage in fishing in Lankan waters. No Catholic devotees from India also participated, except selected clergy personnel.
Over 150 Indian fishermen were taken into custody so far this year alone for engaging in bottom trawling despite repeated warnings issued by Navy personnel whose first formal engagement is chasing them out from the country’s territorial waters.
While arrested fishermen are released after being produced before Courts and handed in six months jail term, suspended for two years, their bottom trawlers are seized and later auctioned off through Courts.
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