Safe sea-corridor for Sri Lankan and Indian Fishermen
[June 8, 2001]

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Rajapakse is expected to propose the opening of a safe sea corridor to the Arabian Sea for Lankan and Indian fishermen through the Exclusive Economic Zone of India, when he meets his Indian counterpart next week. The National Aquatic Research Agency [NARA] has already mapped out this safe sea-corridor.

During his recent tour of India, Minister Rajapakse discussed many issues regarding the problems of Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen.

The release of jailed Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen will be a priority for the Minister. The Minister is also expected to propose the setting up of a joint monitoring committee with New Delhi to address issues faced by fishermen.

Sixty-three Sri Lankan fishermen are held in the Andaman Islands, Tamil Nadu and Kerala jails while thirty-nine Indian fishermen are jailed in Jaffna.    

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Last Updated Date: December 17, 2003 .