Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda says that the only solution to resolve the Indo-Lanka fishing issue is to arrest the Indian fishermen venture into the Sri Lankan territorial waters.
The Minister said the claim that he will grant permits to Indian fishermen to fish in Sri Lankan seas is false, adding that it was only an idea put forward by a fisheries organisation and no final decision had been drawn.
He said he was willing to venture into the sea himself to stop Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan waters and especially engaging in bottom trawling, which he said was destroying the sea beds.
Minister Douglas Devananda further said the Navy has been instructed to continue arresting all Indian fishermen who enter Sri Lankan waters.
He said any decision with regard to the fishermen issue will be taken only after discussions with local fishermen and fishermen organisations. (NewsWire)
