Talks between the fishermen’s associations of Tamil Nadu and North Sri Lanka ended in Chennai on Tuesday (24), a day ahead of schedule, with the two sides meeting each other half way, The New Indian Express reported.

T. Sathasivam, a Sri Lankan delegate, told The New Indian Express that the Indian side had presented a seven-point set of proposals and that some agreements had been reached, but he declined to elaborate. He however maintained that the talks ended amicably.

Giving details of the seven point proposals, N. Devadas, President of the Rameswaram Fishermen’s Association told Express: “We told them that the Indian fishermen have already stopped using destructive nets like Retta Madi and Suruku Madi and have decided to stop using Thangoosi Valai (monofilament nets). We have asked the Lankan side to allow us to fish in their waters for 83 days per year for the next three years. We have also said that during these years we will keep a 5 km distance from the Sri Lankan shore.”

Asked if the Lankan side accepted the Indians’ stand, Devadas said: “They asked for time to consult their colleagues back in Lanka. We are hopeful that there will (be) a settlement.”

However, the Lankan Fisheries Secretary Nimal Hettiarachchi told Express that he would be able to make an authoritative statement only after he gets a report from his ministry officials in Chennai on Wednesday.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)