Call for Joint Talks to Resolve India–Sri Lanka Fishermen Issue
The National Organizer of the All Ceylon Fishermen and Workers Federation, N.V. Subramaniam, has urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to initiate direct talks between fishermen of India and Sri Lanka to resolve ongoing fishing disputes.
Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Jaffna on Thursday (14), he emphasized the need for a structured dialogue involving both countries’ fishermen.
He noted that the Palk Bay–Gulf of Mannar fishing area remains the primary livelihood source for Sri Lankan fishermen, but alleged that illegal fishing activities by some Tamil Nadu fishermen continue in the region.
He claimed that despite four previous rounds of discussions with Indian fishermen, the issue remains unresolved. He also stated that complaints made to past Tamil Nadu administrations did not lead to lasting solutions.
Referring to current political leadership in Tamil Nadu, he mentioned that Chief Minister M. K. Stalin previously addressed the issue through official letters to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and said similar actions are now being taken by the current leadership.
He further stressed that legal measures taken in Sri Lanka, including court actions under fisheries regulations, were due to continued unauthorized fishing activities and lack of progress in earlier negotiations.
Subramaniam called for a renewed trilateral approach and suggested that the new Tamil Nadu leadership organize direct talks between fishermen of both countries to reach a lasting solution based on mutual understanding.
