News
Solution to poaching in Lankan waters: Contradictory statements from Fisheries Minister
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda on Wednesday (7) contradicted a statement attributed to him regarding the continuing crisis over the Indian fishing fleet invading Sri Lankan waters.
The Fisheries Ministry quoted the EPDP leader Devananda as having told fisheries sector trade unions, at separate meetings held at his ministry that the Indian fishing fleet would be prevented from entering Sri Lankan waters before the end of 2021. Trade union representatives were accompanied by former lawmaker Nihal Galappaththi.
The assurance was given in the wake of fisheries trade unions complaining about Indian poaching and continuing harassment of Sri Lankan trawlers by the Indian Coast Guard when entering the Arabian sea via the Indian Ocean.
Minister Devananda explained steps taken by him to bring the situation under control. Claiming that he had held more than four rounds of talks with India, Minister Devananda said the talks meant to reach a consensus in that regard were continuing.
Pointing out that the northern fishing community had been the worst affected due to unbridled Indian poaching, Minister Devananda said that the impact would be devastating.
The Minister said that during his visit to New Delhi with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa last year, they had reached a consensus with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in that regard. However, it had not been possible to implement what was agreed upon due to outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister assured that once the ongoing Indian elections were over, he would seek Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s assistance having received instructions from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa to address the long-standing issue.
The minister said that pending finalisation of the proposed solution, illegal bottom-trawling had been prohibited and the Navy issued instructions to arrest those violating Sri Lankan waters.
However, a week ago, Minister Devananda said that he proposed to introduce a licence system under which Indian fishermen would be allowed to catch fish in the northern waters. They would be able to engage in fishing under tough conditions and controls, the former militant said.
In a statement issued by the ministry, the EPDP leader was quoted as having said that Sri Lanka could collect substantial revenue by issuing licenses to Indian fishermen and the project could be implemented under the supervision of the Navy.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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