Jaffna Fishermen reject Indian solution

     Fishermen in Jaffna have rejected any solution formulated by India in order to resolve the issues faced between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen as a result of Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

Addressing the media in Jaffna, the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement said that only a solution formulated following talks between India and Sri Lanka can be accepted and not one drafted by India alone.

Jaffna fishermen also demanded that they be included in any talks being organised by the Sri Lankan government to resolve the conflict between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen.

Indian fishermen have received an invite to visit Sri Lanka and hold talks with their Sri Lankan counterparts.

They received a letter from a Sri Lankan official who acted as the translator of Minister Basil Rajapakse when he had visited New Delhi this month.

The letter has the schedule of meeting with various fishermen associations and the officials, including President Mahinda Rajapakse.

The schedule from August 1 to 7 has slots for talks at Talaimannar, Jaffna, Mullaitheevu, Kytes Island and Colombo.  (Colombo Gazette)