By Sri Lanka Urges India to Resolve Fishermen Dispute Amidst Diplomatic Tensions
Sri Lankan Minister Bimal Rathnayake has called on the Indian government to take immediate action to resolve the long-standing fishermen dispute between the two countries, emphasizing the severe economic hardships faced by Sri Lanka’s northern fishing communities. His remarks, made in Parliament, reflect growing frustration over Indian fishermen encroaching into Sri Lankan waters, a recurring issue that has strained bilateral relations.
Background of the Dispute
The India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute has persisted for decades, primarily involving fishermen from Tamil Nadu crossing the maritime boundary into Sri Lankan waters. Indian trawlers, often employing bottom-trawling methods, have been accused of depleting fish stocks and damaging Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystem. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic talks, the problem remains unresolved, fueling tensions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities, particularly in the Northern Province.
Minister Rathnayake’s Concerns
Rathnayake urged both the Indian central government and the Tamil Nadu state administration to enforce their own laws and prevent illegal fishing. Stressing the economic struggles of northern fishermen, he highlighted how the region’s communities depend entirely on the fisheries industry. “Fishermen in Mannar have told me that what they once earned in a single day now takes five days at sea,” he said, underscoring the dire situation.
While acknowledging India’s broader assistance to Sri Lanka in areas such as financial aid and disaster relief, Rathnayake questioned its commitment to northern Sri Lankans. “No matter how much the Indian government has helped Sri Lanka, if they fail to address this issue, then there is a question of whether this is really help,” he remarked.
Impact on India-Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations
The ongoing fishing dispute has periodically caused diplomatic rifts between Colombo and New Delhi. Sri Lanka has detained several Indian fishermen over the years, leading to diplomatic protests from India. Tamil Nadu politicians have consistently pressured the Indian central government to intervene, complicating the issue further.
Failure to resolve the dispute could create additional tensions between the two neighbors, affecting cooperation on broader geopolitical and economic fronts. As India seeks to maintain its influence in Sri Lanka amidst growing Chinese investments in the region, a fair resolution to this issue could strengthen diplomatic ties. Conversely, continued inaction risks fueling resentment among Sri Lankan policymakers and the northern fishing community, potentially straining the historically close relationship between the two nations.
Rathnayake’s call for action signals that Sri Lanka is prepared to push India harder on this issue. Whether New Delhi will respond with concrete measures remains to be seen, but ignoring the plea could add further strain to India-Sri Lanka relations
