Navy disputes Fisheries Ministry remarks on poaching by Indian fishermen

The Navy has refuted the figures of Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters put forward by the Fisheries Ministry.

The number of Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters stands at around 400 - 600 and not 4000 as claimed by the Fisheries Ministry, Navy Spokesman Isuru Sooriyabandara said.

Yesterday (Jul 1), the Fisheries Ministry revealed that around 4000 fishing boats illegally trespass into Sri Lankan waters inconveniencing Northern fishermen.

The Navy Spokesman denied such claims and saying that the Navy has been continuously engaged in sea patrols in order to drive out illegal fishermen.

On the same lines, he conceded that boats could enter illegally into Sri Lankan waters during rough seas since the Navy does not deploy its vessels at such times for fear of damaging them.

While State Fisheries Minister Dileep Wedaarachchi said instructions will be issued to the Navy to tighten security around the island’s maritime boundaries, however, Mr. Sooriyabandara said the Navy would only operate on the directives of the President who is the Minister of Defence.

(DW)

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