Location: Colombo – Sri Lanka
Language: Tamil & Sinhala
Duration: 00:04:57
Source: A24
Restrictions: A24 Subscribers
Dateline: 11-02-2022
Storyline
The India-Sri Lanka relations have been affected by attacks and tension between fishermen on the two countries’ shared borders. The issue has climaxed before the two countries decided to bring this up at a meeting at the highest navy echelons in September 2021. The meeting addressed common challenges faced by both countries while enhancing mutual understanding among navies and the coast guards of the two countries. Sri Lankan fishermen reported that they tend not to go far into the sea to avoid conflict with their Indian counterparts. They lamented that Indian fishermen would cross the borders and encroach upon their fishing territories. They claimed that they lose their fishing equipment and nets due to the altercations on the borders. Some fishermen also lost their life. Sri Lankan fishermen have complained to the authorities and local representatives to bring an end to the crisis; yet, no solution was brought forward.
Shotslist
– (Soundbite) A relative of a deceased fisherman:
“We do not go long distances; we only go for short distances to fish. Although we do not cross our sea limits, the Indian fishermen sail beyond the limits into our borders, and we have to signal them using torch lights to mark our sea borders. We will not be able to stop them when we fall asleep or when there are no signal lights present, but they purposely encroach upon our fishing nets and cause damage. When the sirens are on, it is impossible for them not to know our territories, and it is due to this mishap, 10 – 15 our fishermen have lost their fishing equipment and nets. All this is caused by the Indian naval forces. We have complained to numerous bodies, including local MP’s regarding the damages inflicted on us. We have not yet received any solution for this. We have been continuously affected by this in the last two years.”
– (Soundbite) A relative of a deceased fisherman:
“We have been asking them not to cross into our territories, as we have been continuously losing our equipment and nets. No, we have lost two lives as well. The government has to come up with a solution. A Minister has visited here to discuss the subject matter, but we did not receive any solution for this yet. We had protested this for two consecutive days; yet, we are still waiting for a solution. We are fixated on preventing the loss in life and the equipment.”
– (Soundbite) a local fisherman:
“If we are to fish in our territory and if they stayed on their side of the borders, such issues would not arise. Loss of life and equipment and the Indian trawler boat issues will not arise if each would remain in their territory. The government must make sure that both governments get together and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and address this issue and make sure Indian boats do not cross into our territories. Since Sri Lanka is a sovereign country, its territories should not be crossed, and if the rules strictly abided by the rules, such issues would not arise. If the above law is abided by, our fishermen can freely fish and make their livelihood. If the Sri Lankan president and the premier involved themselves and discuss this matter with Indian Premier Modi, such loss of lives and fishing equipment would be avoided in the future.”
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