SL Minister Urges Tamil Nadu CM to Ban Bottom Trawling 📈

Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Minister, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, has formally appealed to the newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, to prohibit the destructive practice of bottom trawling in the Palk Strait. Key Developments: • Diplomatic Outreach: The Minister expressed intent to visit Tamil Nadu for direct talks with CM Vijay to resolve the protracted maritime dispute. • Policy Stand: Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic engagement while highlighting that bottom trawling has been legally banned in Sri Lankan waters since 2017. • Economic & Environmental Impact: The fisheries sector, crucial for the livelihoods of northern Sri Lankan communities, continues to suffer from environmental degradation and resource depletion caused by foreign trawlers. • Security & Livelihoods: Northern fishermen have repeatedly reported significant damage to local gear and maritime ecosystems, threatening the sustainability of the regional seafood export and domestic supply chains. The move signals a renewed effort by the Sri Lankan government to protect its sovereign waters and ensure the long-term viability of the blue economy. 🌊