Press Secretary confirms maritime agreement with Sri Lanka

President’s Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair today confirmed a new maritime agreement with Sri Lanka allowing Sri Lankan vessels to enter the Maldivian waters while travelling to the Arabian Sea.

Mr. Zuhair's comments came after the Minister of Fisheries and the president of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr Ibrahim Didi denied the report, arguing no such agreement had been signed. Although Sri Lankan vessels are allowed to cross Maldivian waters, the agreement will not affect local fishing and the vessels will cross the maritime border with tracking devices installed, the Press Secretary added.

However Dr. Ibrahim Didi said that vessel of any country can cross the Maldivian waters due to the International Maritime Conventions signed by the Maldives, but such vessels have to inform and get the permission of Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF).

“It is not true. We haven’t signed such an agreement with Sri Lanka. But not only Sri Lankan vessels, however vessels of any country can cross the waters, with the required permission. If a vessel of another country wants to cross Maldivian waters, then they have to get the permission from MNDF. And the vessel will be crossing the Maldivian waters under the supervision of MNDF,” said the Minister.

According to Daily Mirror, Sri Lankan Fishermen, who journey to the Arabian Sea, generally have to take a longer route to avoid trespassing onto Maldivian waters. “Those who travel from the west of India have to take a longer route,” Deputy Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera said. 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,” he explained. He added that this would save vessels time and fuel costs.

Regarding the news Mohamed Mustafa, MP for Thimarafushi Constituency and outspoken member of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party has vowed today to propose a resolution in the People’s Majlis against the government decision to permit Sri Lankan fishermen to enter Maldivian territorial waters on their way to the Arabian Sea.