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Fisheries issues: Indian HC seeks meeting with Devananda
Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda says that Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay wants to discuss the longstanding issues affecting the fisher communities.
Minister Devananda, who is also the leader of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), said that he received a telephone call from HC Baglay. The Minister said so speaking to journalists early this week after visiting the Mailatty harbour to inspect Indian fishing craft apprehended by the Navy, while poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
Minister Devananda said that the continuing destruction caused by the Indian fishing fleet in Sri Lankan waters, especially through universally recognised illegal practices, like bottom trawling, would be severely detrimental to the fisher communities of both countries. The EPDP leader warned of dire consequences unless tangible measures were taken to curb destructive fishing practices adopted by the Indian side (SF)