Sushama Swaraj Takes Up Fishermen’s Issue With Sri Lanka PM

07 March, Colombo

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday took up the fishermen’s issue with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickeremasinghe and told him that the problem is a humanitarian one and requires long term solutions keeping in mind the livelihood issues faced by the fishermen.

Ms Swaraj raised the issue in her meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister during her Colombo visit Saturday
.

Following the meeting, MEA Spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin said that Ms Swaraj conveyed to Wickeramasinghe that both the countries will have to work on long term solutions to this problem as well as find interim arrangements to protect the interests of fishermen of both the countries.

Akbaruddin confirmed that the Sri Lankan Prime Minister understands the nuances of the problem and has agreed to carry this conversation between the two countries forward.

In an interview to an Indian Television channel, Sri Lankan Prime Minister is reported to have highlighted the right of Sri Lankan government to use force to prevent poaching in its waters.