A three-member committee has been appointed by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Douglas Devananda to probe the Indian fishermen's issue and submit recommendations.
The committee comprising of top executives will exchange views with officials of the fisheries Ministry, fisheries department representatives and other stakeholders before submitting its recommendations.
The Sri Lankan fishermen have been facing numerous difficulties and inconveniences because of Indian fishermen who are invading Sri Lankan waters.
"A sustainable mechanism acceptable to both India and Sri Lanka is needed to do away with the illegal fishing activities in the Sri Lankan waters,” the Minister said.
“A draft was submitted to the Indian Prime Minister during an official visit to India by then President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa in January 2020. It was accepted by the Indian side. However, the pandemic has slowed down its progress,” the Minister said.
A lasting solution based on mutual understanding and bilateral awareness should be reached to resolve the issue, the Minister said.
