– Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar has welcomed observations made by the Supreme Court of India regarding the need to advise Tamil Nadu fishermen against crossing the international maritime boundary and entering Sri Lankan waters for fishing.The observations were made during a hearing of petitions seeking the recovery of Kachchativu Island from Sri Lanka.A bench led by Indian Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kumar stressed the need to sensitize Tamil Nadu fishermen, particularly those fishing near Kachchativu, to refrain from entering Sri Lankan waters.

Minister Chandrasekar said the observation was significant as Sri Lanka has consistently raised concerns over the impact of illegal and destructive fishing practices by foreign fishing vessels on the country’s marine resources and the livelihoods of fishermen in the Northern Province.He said unauthorized entry into Sri Lankan waters, particularly the use of fishing methods that damage the seabed, poses a threat to both marine resources and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.”Protecting Sri Lanka’s marine resources and marine environment is a primary responsibility of our government. We have consistently voiced our objections regarding illegal and destructive fishing activities occurring within our territorial waters,” the Minister said.He said the importance of respecting international maritime boundaries while safeguarding the fishing rights and livelihoods of communities on both sides of the maritime boundary.

The Minister also said the agreements reached between India and Sri Lanka in 1974 concerning Kachchativu, and the understandings and provisions established in 1976 regarding maritime boundaries and fishing activities, were based on the long-standing diplomatic understanding between the two countries.

“Sri Lanka’s position on this matter is clear,” he said.He added that sustainable solutions should be pursued through continued dialogue and diplomatic channels between the two countries, balancing the livelihoods of fishing communities with the need to protect marine resources.During the hearing, Justice Sanjay Kumar also reportedly referred to the sense of social responsibility he had observed among Sri Lankan people regarding environmental protection, including efforts to keep public and coastal areas free of litter.

The Supreme Court of India has not yet delivered a final verdict on the legal validity of the 1974 and 1976 agreements. Further proceedings in the case have been adjourned until February 2027.Minister Chandrasekar said the court’s observations on preventing Indian fishermen from crossing the International Maritime Boundary were important in the context of protecting marine resources, securing the livelihoods of fishing communities and maintaining cordial relations between India and Sri Lanka.