The government says it is not keen on making the Indo-Sri Lanka fishermen issue, a geo-political dispute and escalating it into a large conflict.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing in Colombo, Government Spokesman Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said the fishermen issue is a sensitive matter and cannot be resolved through aggression.
The Minister noted both governments have an understanding over the concerns and demands of fishermen from both Sri Lanka and India and have managed to address issues through timely interventions.
Minister Alahapperuma stressed, it is the right of citizens of both countries to be able to fish in respective territorial waters.
He said the government, the Ministry of Fisheries, state officials and the Sri Lanka Navy are working around the clock to protect fishing resources of the country which is a main source of income for many northern villagers.
