Sri Lankan authorities intensified their crackdown on illegal fishing activities as they arrested 32 Indian fishermen and confiscated five Indian fishing boats for allegedly crossing into the island nation’s territorial waters. The Sri Lankan Navy carried out this operation on Sunday as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent unauthorized fishing in its maritime boundaries.
According to an official statement issued by the Sri Lankan Navy, the arrests took place during a special operation conducted in the sea area located north of Mannar. The statement elaborated that the detained fishermen were allegedly engaged in poaching activities within Sri Lankan waters, which led to their apprehension and the seizure of their vessels.
The Sri Lankan Navy has been conducting regular surveillance and enforcement operations to curb the unauthorized fishing activities of foreign vessels. These measures are implemented to safeguard the livelihoods of Sri Lanka’s local fishing communities, who have long raised concerns about the depletion of marine resources due to unregulated fishing practices by foreign boats.
The Navy emphasized in its statement that such unauthorized intrusions into Sri Lankan waters have significant economic and ecological consequences, warranting strict intervention. The operation that led to the latest arrests is part of a broader strategy to deter cross-border illegal fishing activities and uphold Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over its marine resources.
Following their arrest, the 32 Indian fishermen and their seized fishing boats were taken to the Talaimannar Pier. From there, they were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar, who will oversee the legal proceedings against them. The Sri Lankan authorities are expected to take necessary action as per their maritime laws, which could include penalties, imprisonment, or repatriation, depending on the nature of the offense.
This incident is not an isolated case, as Sri Lankan authorities have been consistently taking strict measures against Indian fishermen who allegedly cross into Sri Lankan waters for fishing. The arrests mark a continuation of Sri Lanka’s stringent maritime policies aimed at curbing illegal fishing by foreign vessels.
This year alone, the Sri Lankan Navy has taken action against a significant number of Indian fishermen found operating in its territorial waters. According to the latest figures, a total of 131 Indian fishermen and 18 fishing boats have been apprehended in 2024 so far for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters.
The issue has been a longstanding point of contention between India and Sri Lanka, often causing diplomatic tensions. In 2023, Sri Lankan naval personnel arrested 529 Indian fishermen for similar alleged offenses, highlighting the scale of the ongoing problem.
The arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy remains one of the most sensitive issues in bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. The Palk Strait, a narrow body of water separating the two nations, has historically been a rich fishing ground. However, disputes over territorial boundaries and fishing rights have led to repeated confrontations between Sri Lankan authorities and Indian fishermen.
Several incidents have been reported where Sri Lankan naval personnel allegedly used force, including firing at Indian fishing boats, to prevent them from operating in Sri Lankan waters. Indian fishermen, particularly those from Tamil Nadu, have frequently complained about the confiscation of their boats, legal action taken against them, and sometimes even instances of physical aggression by Sri Lankan authorities.
The Indian government has repeatedly sought diplomatic channels to address this issue and ensure the release of detained fishermen. However, Sri Lanka maintains that it is within its rights to protect its marine resources from unauthorized foreign fishing activities.
Given the recurring nature of these incidents, Indian and Sri Lankan officials have engaged in multiple rounds of discussions over the years to find a mutually acceptable resolution. The Indian government has often requested the early release of arrested fishermen as a goodwill gesture, while Sri Lanka has emphasized the need for Indian fishermen to adhere to maritime boundaries and respect international laws.
Various proposals have been explored, including the possibility of establishing joint fishing zones, implementing licensing systems for Indian fishermen, and enhancing cooperation between the two nations in sustainable fishing practices. However, despite these diplomatic efforts, incidents of Indian fishermen being arrested for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters continue to occur at regular intervals.
As the issue remains unresolved, fishermen from both sides of the maritime boundary continue to face uncertainties. While Indian fishermen argue that they have been using these waters for generations, Sri Lanka remains firm in its stance that it must protect its marine ecosystem and uphold its territorial rights.
Moving forward, sustained diplomatic engagement between India and Sri Lanka will be necessary to address the grievances of the affected fishing communities while ensuring that maritime laws and international boundaries are respected. Until a permanent resolution is found, such incidents are likely to persist, further complicating the delicate relationship between the two neighboring countries.