Government Acts to Curb Illegal Fishing Concerns along Eastern Coastline
June 19, 2025The Government has implemented a series of proactive measures to address escalating concerns about illegal fishing activities along the eastern coastal region spanning Trincomalee to Potuvil.
District Coordinating Committee Chairman of Ampara Coastal Region, Hon. A. Athambawa M.P. had previously submitted a formal letter to the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Hon. Ramalingum Chandrasekar and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), highlighting the adverse impact of illegal fishing practices on the livelihoods of coastal communities and the marine ecosystem in the Eastern region.
The matter was subsequently addressed by the Deputy Minister Jayasekara during an adjournment debate in Parliament on 05 June 2025. In his remarks, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring maritime security and sustainable fishing practices.
To further examine the situation, Maj. Gen. Jayasekara (Retd) had discussions with the navy commander and senior naval officials. The meeting focused on strategic measures to curb illegal fishing, including enhanced surveillance and joint operations along the affected coastal stretch.
Consequently, the Minister of Fisheries, Deputy Minister of Defence, and key stakeholders convened at Parliament today (19 June) for a substantive discussion. Participants underscored the critical importance of addressing this issue promptly through a comprehensive review of the situation, protecting local fishing communities and enhancing maritime security enforcement, and formulating coordinated solutions. The outcomes are expected to yield a multi-phased approach comprising immediate interventions, medium-term measures, and long-term strategies to combat illegal fishing activities in Sri Lanka's eastern coastal waters.
The meeting was attended by the Hon. Members of Parliament (both government and opposition), Senior officials from the Sri Lanka Navy, Coast Guard, Police, and the Attorney General's Department, representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and members of the fishermen cooperative society.
