High Level Discussion on Combating Illegal Fishing Activities Held at the Parliament Complex

A high level meeting on combating illegal fishing activities was convened yesterday (17 Feb) at the Parliament Complex. The meeting was jointly chaired by the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), and the Hon. Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage.

The meeting served as a continuation of ongoing high level discussions on the subject.

Deliberations focused on preventive measures, law enforcement actions, and enhanced inter agency cooperation to effectively counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as other illicit activities in Sri Lankan waters. Key issues discussed included poaching by both local and foreign fishing vessels, bottom trawling which causes significant environmental damage, unauthorized use of radio frequencies, and non fishing activities such as smuggling carried out under the guise of fishing operations.

Special emphasis was placed on suspending the fishing licenses of local vessels that deliberately disable their Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) to engage in unlawful fishing and illegal diving activities. The meeting also highlighted the importance of implementing robust measures to prevent further violations and safeguard the country's marine resources.

The session brought together Members of Parliament and senior officials from various departments to provide a comprehensive review of enforcement and surveillance mechanisms, including Sri Lanka Navy and Police, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resources Management, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and Sri Lanka Customs.

The meeting reaffirmed the Government's commitment to safeguarding maritime security, strengthening inter agency coordination, and promoting the sustainable management of the nation's aquatic resources.