Indo-Lanka talks positive

Fisheries minister Rajitha Senaratne is optimistic that his Indian tour will help resolve the issues faced by the fishermen of the two countries.

Before departing for New Delhi, he has told BBC Sandeshaya at the airport that an atmosphere conducive for talks has been created by the Tamil Nadu chief minister’s decision to free a group of Lankan fishermen, and a reciprocal measure by Sri Lanka.

In return for the release of 20 Lankan fishermen in Tamil Nadu, 52 Indian fishermen have been freed.

Twenty detained at Jaffna prison has been released, while 32 others were freed from Trincomalee prison, officials said.

However, activists say releasing fishermen alone cannot help achieve successful results at the talks.

Measures to protect fishermen from both sides, implementation of the ban on prohibited fishing nets etc. are also important, said patron of St. Sebastian Fisheries Society in Mahawewa Loyola Peiris said.