President pledges to resolve Sri Lanka-India fishing dispute

President Anura Kumara Disanayake 

• Says matter was discussed during Indian Prime Minister’s visit to SL
• Highlights Mannar’s strategic value and pledges to protect its fisheries industry
• Raises concerns over illegal fishing in Pesalai and says Navy has been ordered to act
• Confirms both Govt.’s discussed issue but withheld further details
• Plans to resume Mannar-Rameswaram ferry services
• Pledges to return lands taken during war and reopen closed roads for local communities

President Anura Kumara Disanayake revealed yesterday that the longstanding fishing dispute between Sri Lanka and India was a key topic during recent high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Addressing an election rally in Mannar, the President highlighted the district’s strategic importance, emphasising its rich natural resources and its critical role in the nation’s development. 

He noted that the fishing industry remains the backbone of the local economy and must be protected for the benefit of its communities.

“Mannar represents a region of strategic importance for our nation’s development. This coastal district boasts not only natural beauty but also abundant valuable resources that contribute to our national prosperity,” he said. 

President Disanayake raised concerns over unauthorised fishing activities in the Pesalai area, noting that illegal vessels were causing significant damage to the marine ecosystem.

“We have identified concerning instances of unauthorised fishing operations in the Pesalai area, where illegal vessels are causing substantial harm to our marine ecosystem. During the recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister, we held extensive discussions in this regard,” he said.

The President affirmed that Sri Lanka’s marine resources belong to its people and that the Government is taking active measures to address the issue. “Our seas and marine resources rightfully belong to our people. Therefore, we are taking active steps to resolve this issue.”

Disanayake added that the Sri Lanka Navy has been directed to take firm action against illegal activities in the country’s territorial waters.

“It is the responsibility of our armed forces to protect our maritime resources, and we are committed to fulfilling that duty,” he added.

The longstanding fishing dispute between Sri Lanka and India, particularly involving Indian trawlers crossing into Sri Lankan waters, has been a source of tension between the two countries. 

Both the Sri Lankan and Indian governments said that the matter was taken up for discussion during Premier Modi’s visit earlier this month, but did not disclose further details.

He also said steps will be taken soon to resume ferry services between Mannar and Rameswaram.

He said discussions have already begun with the Indian Government on resuming the ferry services.

The President said the Government will take steps to release lands taken over by the security forces during the war and reopen roads which have been closed down.

“Lands owned by the people were taken over by the Government during the war. Some roads were closed down. Some private lands were gazetted under the Forest Department. We will resolve all these issues allowing people to settle down on their lands and do cultivations freely,” he said.