The Sri Lanka government is now ready to settle the longstanding fishing dispute between India and the island nation by issuing licenses to allow Indian fishermen to carry out fishing in northern territorial waters.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has told Tamil Nadu’s Thanthi TV recently that an agreement will be reached to allow Indian fishermen for this purpose.

He disclosed that discussions were underway with regard to issuing licenses to Indian fishermen.

This issue came during President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent visit to New Delhi, he said.

“There is readiness. Support of fishermen on both sides is essential. This has nothing to do with the governments. It is a matter for fishermen. Understanding is needed in this matter,” he added.

Fishermen in the north remained firm in their stance to oppose the proposed license scheme to allow Indian trawlers in Sri Lankan waters, demanding the Government to uphold Sri Lankan interests and sovereign control of its resources.

Issuing a statement, Secretary of the fishermen’s collective in the Northern Province N.M. Alam, accused the government of having double-standards with regard to fishermen in the south and the north

He said that, as an alternative, the government could consider the declaration of a ‘no-man’s zone’ between the Sri Lankan and Indian maritime border.

Indian and Sri Lankan naval officials would be deployed to monitor and enforce the proposed zone and take legal action against those who encroach without permission, he suggested.(Bandula)