The Government is engaged in ongoing discussions with Indian authorities to address the long-standing issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen illegally entering Sri Lankan waters, according to Ministry of Fisheries Secretary Sampath Manthrinayake.

The discussions are being conducted through a Joint Working Group, where both sides are reviewing their respective positions. 

“The Indian Government has already responded to our stance, but the process is still ongoing. We will release details once the discussions are finalised,” he said.

One of the proposed solutions, discussed between the Indian Government and Tamil Nadu’s fishing community, is the introduction of alternative livelihoods for Indian fishermen to reduce their dependence on Sri Lankan waters. 

While some groups have accepted these proposals, discussions are still in progress.

Sri Lanka continues to take legal action against those caught poaching. However, the ministry emphasised that its primary goal was to prevent Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan waters in the first place.

The Sri Lanka Navy and other key stakeholders have reviewed the latest Indian response and are currently finalising their position, which will be sent to the Indian Government within the next week or two. 

This will be followed by further negotiations, after which India is expected to implement necessary measures.

Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar stressed recently that only the Central Government of India could prevent the Tamil Nadu fishing fleet from poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The Minister stated that the Central Government of India, in consultation with Tamil Nadu, should deploy the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to prevent large-scale organised crossing of the Indo-Lanka maritime boundary without further delay.

Minister Chandrasekar also highlighted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had raised the issue at the highest level during his three-day official visit to New Delhi in January.