Sri Lanka’s fisheries community is concerned about the concerns expressed by India regarding the ownership of the Katchatheevu Island, as the Island has a direct connection to fishing activities in the Northern part of Sri Lanka, according to local fisheries organisations.

The National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) Convenor Herman Kumara, explained that the fisheries community is concerned about how their livelihood would be affected in the event of a change in the ownership of the Katchatheevu Island. He told The Daily Morning that such an eventuality would allow Indian fishermen, who are already poaching in Sri Lankan waters, to catch fish in the maritime area that belongs to Sri Lanka.

“If the Island is given to India, Indian fishermen will get legal permission to enter Sri Lankan waters,” Kumara stressed.

In addition, he explained that while the matter of the ownership of the Katchatheevu Island entails a number of economic concerns, it has a political aspect as well. He explained that Indian politicians may interfere in matters relating to the Katchatheevu Island to please the people of Tamil Nadu to gain political advantages, while in the long run, if India gains the ownership of the Island, it may even be used for military purposes.

He made these remarks in a context where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently expressed disapproval of the decision taken by a former Indian administration to accept in 1974 the Katchatheevu Island as a part of Sri Lanka. His statements sparked conversations in both the countries about the ownership and the strategic and economic importance of the Island.