Immediate Action Needed Against Indian Trawler Intrusions – Wasantha Mudalige Urges in Jaffna

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has urged the Sri Lankan government to take immediate and proper action to stop large Indian trawlers from illegally entering Sri Lankan waters, exploiting marine resources, and attacking local fishermen.

Representatives of the FSP and affected fishing families met officials of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Jaffna on Thursday (07) to discuss the ongoing issue of Indian trawler intrusions and the problems faced by Sri Lankan fishermen detained by Indian authorities.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, FSP National Executive Committee member Wasantha Mudalige stated that large Indian trawlers are forcefully entering Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary and plundering marine resources.

“This is not only a serious threat to the livelihoods of local fishermen, but also a threat to the sovereignty of the country,” he said.

He further noted that government officials had informed them about the lack of modern technology and facilities needed to monitor and intercept illegal fishing vessels entering Sri Lankan waters.

“We urged the government to take swift action on this matter, as only strong bilateral discussions with India can provide a permanent solution to this issue,” Mudalige added.

He also pointed out that Sri Lankan fishermen have faced numerous attacks, abductions, and destruction of fishing equipment due to the activities of Indian trawlers over the years.

Referring to a recent incident, he said that on April 27, three fishermen from Jaffna were allegedly attacked by Indian fishermen, and one fisherman identified as Thiboosh Dayanas was abducted.

According to Mudalige, the government informed them that discussions are currently underway with India to secure his return to Sri Lanka.

He further criticized the government for not revealing details of several agreements signed with India, stating that the public and Parliament have not been informed about them.

“We cannot accept the government’s weak response towards India’s forceful interventions,” he said.

Mudalige finally stressed that the government must immediately intervene to resolve the crisis faced by the fishing community in Jaffna and take steps to stop the intrusion of Indian trawlers into Sri Lankan waters.