"We Cannot Stop All Boats" - Sri Lanka Struggles with Recurring Issue of Indian Encroachment in Sea of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); The issue of Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters is a long-standing and sensitive one, with significant economic, environmental, and political dimensions.

The Sri Lankan Navy has been actively addressing this issue, issuing weekly statements about the capture of fishermen and their boats, and taking legal action against them. 

Despite these efforts, the problem persists, with Sri Lanka's resources being exploited through the use of bottom trawling mechanisms.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, addressed the ongoing issue of Indian fishermen encroaching into Sri Lankan waters, a matter that has raised questions about sovereignty and resource management.

"We continue to talk to the Indian side on a case-by-case basis," said Sabry, acknowledging the long-standing nature of the problem and the practical limitations in addressing it. "Our Navy cannot practically stop all the ships (boats) coming in, but we continue to exert pressure on them and also continue to exercise caution in detecting and detaining them."

Fishermen from Tamil Nadu refrained from participating in the activities related to the annual Kachchathivu feast, citing harassment by Sri Lanka. 

While the situation is delicate, Sabry emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to resolving the issue without escalating it into a full-blown conflict between the two countries.

"We have also told them, bottom trawling is very dangerous and that will kind of destroy the fishing resources, not only for the Sri Lankans, but for the entire world," Sabry added.