Dismissing opposition's claim that his government has given fishing rights to Indians, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said he has issued clear instructions to the navy to seize boats that violate the country's territorial waters.
"We have not allowed fishing in our waters for the Indians. I have given clear instructions to navy to arrest boats or trawlers that violate our water limits," Mr Sirisena told a gathering of fishing industry and political representatives last night.
Opposition group National Freedom Front had alleged that the government had given fishing rights to Indians in Sri Lankan waters as an appeasement policy towards India.
"We have asked the Indians to stop bottom trawling," Mr Sirisena said.
"I hope they can exercise their legislative powers to tackle the issue even by consulting the Indian High Commissioner (Ambassador)," Mr Sirisena said.
The Indian groups had assured they will fish five nautical miles off the Sri Lankan coast.
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