Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna said the Defence Secretary had told him that the sea is now free of fishing restrictions that were imposed during the time of LTTE terrorism except for areas where landmines are not yet removed.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister said the Defence Ministry has lifted its ban imposed on fishing boats with 40 HP engines following a request made by him.

The decision to lift the ban came as a result of a discussion held Monday between Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna.

The Defence Ministry has agreed to release 141 fishing boats with 40 HP engines from their custody to the Fisheries Ministry.

With the decades-long ban on the use of boats with 40 HP engines being lifted for the first time, the fishermen will have a bigger harvest.