Thu Mar 06 08:32:30 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Demands Action Against Indian Bottom Trawling

**Colombo, March 6, 2025** – Sri Lanka’s government has issued a strong plea to India and the Tamil Nadu state government to take decisive action against illegal fishing practices in Sri Lankan waters. The call comes amidst escalating tensions over the destructive bottom-trawling method used by some Indian fishermen, which is severely depleting fish stocks and threatening the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen in the north.

Sri Lankan Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, addressing Parliament on Wednesday, acknowledged past Indian assistance during the country’s war and economic crisis but stressed that effective enforcement of fishing regulations in Indian waters is crucial. He emphasized the sole reliance of northern Sri Lankan fishermen on fishing for their survival and urged immediate action to prevent the further decimation of their resources.

The issue gained prominence following an adjournment motion by Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) legislator Thurairasa Ravikaran, who passionately appealed for the survival of northern fishermen. He highlighted the devastating impact of bottom trawling, describing it as akin to using a “bulldozer” in the ocean. The practice, largely attributed to fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, is said to indiscriminately catch all fish, damaging coral reefs and the overall marine ecosystem.

Sri Lankan authorities report arresting over 540 Indian fishermen in 2024 and over 100 in the first two months of 2025 for illegal fishing, yet maintain the problem is far more widespread. Opposition MP Mano Ganesan urged Minister Rathnayake to raise the issue directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his anticipated visit next month. The plea follows a similar request from former Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The ongoing dispute underscores the need for collaborative efforts between India and Sri Lanka to address this critical issue and ensure the sustainable management of shared marine resources.

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