DRP: Permission given to Sri Lankan Fishermen to enter Maldivian waters is a dangerous deal

Opposition Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) says Maldivian government signing an agreement giving permission to Sri Lankan fishermen to enter Maldivian waters is a dangerous deal and an insult to Maldivian fishermen. DRP condemns the act and calls for the revoke of the agreement.

Head of DRP’s Fishermen’s Branch and the media coordinator of DRP Mr Ali Solih said that the previous government also had given fishing license to foreign parties in the Maldivian waters and this government promised to consider the concerns of local fishermen. He said that the current government revoked the licenses given by the previous government, but allowing Sri Lankan fishermen to enter the Maldivian waters will initiate a dangerous series of giving license in another form.

“We, DRP, and the Fishermen’s Branch of the party condemn this. And we are preparing to take the steps required regarding this. This is a dangerous decision and an insult to local fishermen,” said Ali Solih.

DRP calls the government to revoke the agreement signed in the visit of the Deputy External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka. DRP says that it is very dangerous to give permission to enter Maldivian waters in the name of crossing it and go to Arabian Sea, when the Maldives does not have proper means to monitor illegal fishing in the Maldivian waters.

“This is an insult to the local fishermen, and an insult to the Maldivians,” said Ali Solih.

According to Sri Lankan news service Daily Mirror, the new agreement provides that if authorities are informed in advance of a Sri Lankan vessel approaching Maldivian waters, safe passage through to the Arabian Sea could be ensured. “If those traveling could inform our Embassy in the Maldives by Fax or E-mail 48 hours in advance, then arrangements could be made for them to travel through Maldivian waters,” Deputy Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera explained. He added that this would save vessels time and fuel costs.