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In a recent statement, Sri Lankan Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda, rebuffed assertions made by India regarding the potential reclamation of Kachchatheevu island from Sri Lanka. The minister categorically stated that such claims from India hold no merit.
This declaration by Devananda follows heightened discussions initiated by the Narendra Modi government in India, particularly targeting the Congress Party and its ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), in Tamil Nadu. These discussions revolved around the perceived oversight of national interests during the ceding of Kachchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974.
Addressing reporters in Jaffna, Minister Devananda attributed India's current stance on Kachchatheevu to the ongoing election climate within the country. He noted that such assertions are commonplace during electoral periods, emphasizing that India is motivated by its own interests in securing the island to restrict access for Sri Lankan fishermen and to negate any potential claims by Sri Lanka over the region's resources.
Devananda underscored the agreements between the two nations, pointing out that the 1974 agreement allowed fishermen from both sides to engage in fishing activities within each other's territorial waters. However, subsequent revisions to the agreement, notably in 1976, imposed restrictions on fishing activities in the neighboring waters for both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen.
Furthermore, Minister Devananda drew attention to the West Bank region, situated below Kanyakumari, which he described as a significantly larger area with abundant sea resources. He highlighted that India secured control over this area during the 1976 agreement review, emphasizing its significance in the context of the ongoing discussions surrounding Kachchatheevu.
The fisheries minister also addressed concerns raised by local fishermen regarding illegal fishing activities conducted by Indian counterparts in Sri Lankan waters. He noted the detrimental effects of bottom trawling on the interests of the Sri Lankan fishing community and highlighted recent actions taken by the Sri Lankan Navy, resulting in the arrest of numerous Indian fishermen and the confiscation of trawlers.
In response to queries regarding the Kachchatheevu issue, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India refrained from direct engagement. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to recent statements made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging journalists to consult his press engagements for clarification on the matter.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Kachchatheevu island underscores the complexities of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, particularly concerning maritime boundaries and fishing rights. As both nations navigate these challenges, the statements made by Minister Devananda reflect Sri Lanka's stance on the issue and its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and maritime resources.
