He said this in parliament yesterday in response to a question raised by MP Charles Nirmalanathan during the questions for oral answers round.

Minister Devananda noted that the matter would be discussed with the relevant stakeholders and formulate the fisheries policy and have it presented to parliament. He said this policy would address many of the issues faced by the fisheries sector and the government intends to provide sustainable solutions to them.

He said that around 45,000 persons are engaged in the fishing industry from the Northern Province including Mannar, Killinochchi, Mulaithivu and Jaffna Districts and it sustains the livelihood of around 200,000 families.

The Minister said that due to the encroachment of Indian fishing vessels into Sri Lankan territorial waters, the local fishermen have been greatly affected and they are facing a situation where they find it difficult to engage in their fishing activities. However, he assured that the government would take measures to implement a proper mechanism to prevent the Indian fishing vessels from illegally entering Sri Lankan waters.