News

Nagananda files case against Indians bottom trawling in Northern waters (Video)

Published

2 years ago

October 19, 2022

editor

Nagananda Kodithuwakku says that he is seeking legal redress against Indian fishermen engaged in bottom trawling in Sri Lankan waters.
On a Facebook Live video, he says that he had filed a case in this regard on Oct. 17.

Noting that an agreement was concluded between India and Sri Lanka on maritime boundaries of the two countries on March 23, 1976, he says according to this pact, India and Sri Lanka exercises sovereign rights over the living and non living resources in their respective zones.

The agreement states that fishing vessels and fishermen of India shall not engage in fishing in the historic waters… the territorial waters in the exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka and vice versa, he adds.

Also, he points out that according to the Fisheries (Regulation of Foreign Fishing Boats) (Amendment) Act, No. 1 of 2018, which was enacted by the Sri Lankan parliament to regulate control and manage fishing and related activities by foreign boats in Sri Lanka waters, illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters is offence triable by a Magistrate’s Court and the magistrate can fine upto Rs. 7.5 million from a vessel.

He emphasises that according to Sri Lankan laws, bottom trawling is absolutely prohibited in Sri Lankan waters.

Prabhakaran controlled this ; over USD 850 annual loss

Mr. Kodithuwakku also says that during the days of the LTTE, the then LTTE leader – Prabhakaran controlled this situation.

However, none of the 225 MPs in Parliament would intervene to solve issues such as this, he says, adding that politicians in the North, who are asking for a separate state, will never raise their voice against India.

Noting that there are around 5,000 bottom trawlers in India, Mr. Kodithuwakku says these vessels invade the Sri Lankan waters during night time everyday, before heading back to India at dawn.

Adding that a research done in this regard has revealed that the annual loss incurred due to this situation is around USD 850 million – USD 900 million, he says that over 300,000 fishermen families have been affected.

Threats
Although 03 individuals in Jaffna initially volunteered to come forward as petitioners in the case, two later backed out after receiving grave threats, he said.

Not illegal in India
Meanwhile, a group of Sri Lankan journalists visiting India’s National Fisheries Development Board in Hyderabad recently learnt that bottom trawling is not illegal in Sri Lanka.

The visit was part of a media familiarisation tour for journalists organised by the Indian Government.

Speaking, Mr. Vijaykumar C. Yaragal, the Executive Director (Tech) at the institution, said that banning bottom trawling was a ‘very good decision’ by Sri Lanka. Although it is legal in India, “we are recommending it is not advisable,” he said.

Speaking, Chief executive of the Board, Dr. C. Suvarna said that although it is legal, they are attempting to discourage the fishermen from engaging in the practice. She added that international pressure is also present to move towards more healthier practices.

News

Concessionary vehicle import permits granted to retired government & judicial officials

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Senior government and judicial officials who have retired on completion of 60 years of age and those who were sent on compulsory retirement without extension are eligible to obtain a vehicle import permit under concessionary rates of duty.

This was according to a circular issued by the Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry.

Officers who have retired on completion of 60 years of age during the period from extending the age of compulsory retirement to 65 years and reducing the age of compulsory retirement to 60 years introduced by the Ministry in 2022 are eligible for the permits subject to other requirements as set out in the regulations.

The decision to grant vehicle import permits for retired senior government officials came following a Cabinet decision on March 11.

Among the eligible officials are retired officials from Class I of an All Island Service or a Departmental Service, Special Grade of Government Registered and Assistant Medical Officers’ Service, Government Dental Surgeon in Grade I and retired senior judicial officers.

The circular dated April 25 was issued by Secretary to the Ministry Pradeep Yasarathne. The Secretary was unavailable for comment yesterday.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SLC doubles test players’ payments to boost morale

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a significant increase in payments for Sri Lanka’s Test players, effectively doubling their compensation.

The decision, made by SLC, is aimed at fostering greater enthusiasm among Test players and emphasizing the importance of Test cricket, the governing body stated.

The increased payments will be implemented based on the match contracts of each player, in accordance with SLC guidelines.

As a result of this adjustment, the total payment for a Test player per international match will now amount to approximately USD 15,000, which is around Rs. 4,450,000.

News

India to cover tax costs for Sri Lanka-India passenger ferry service

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

The Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year for the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS).

The passenger ferry service, which was launched in October 2023 by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), will tentatively resume on May 13, 2024. It will be operated by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, selected by SCI in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).

In order to make the service affordable and attractive for passengers, the Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year.

Similarly, the GOSL has reduced the deviation tax currently charged from passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.

It should be recalled that the Government of India has also extended a grant assistance of USD 63.65 million to the GOSL for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, which was earlier envisaged to be undertaken under a Line of Credit.

(dailymirror.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)