Sri Lanka has lifted all restrictions for fishing imposed due to LTTE terrorism making the country’s territorial waters free and open for fishing.
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna said according to Defence Ministry the sea will now be free of restrictions except for areas where landmines were not yet removed.
The decision has taken by the Defence Ministry after a discussion held between Minister Senaratne and the Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, early tthis week.
He said following the decision to lift the ban on fishing, the restrictions imposed on fishing boats with 40 HP engines has also been lifted.
“ This is the first time the government has lifted the ban on fishing boats with 40 HP engines. We expect a good harvest this time”, he said.
The Defence Ministry has agreed to release the 141 fishing boats with 40 HP engines held in their custody to the Fisheries Ministry