Proposed fine system for illegal maritime activities is not against India: SL govt

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera told IBNS that with increasing number of incidents of illegal activities, including illegal fishing, taking place in the country’s territorial waters, the Ministry has proposed to introduced a tough fine system to protect the country from any external threat coming from the sea.

“ But this is not against India,” he said adding that the already drafted set of proposals, including the fine system and new penalties for the offences done in the country’s IMBL, are sent to Attorney General’s Department for further legal clarifications.

He said fine would be applied to any vessel from any country which would violate the country’s maritime law.

According to Minister Amaraweera, the proposed fine system is prepared following the internationally accepted EU maritime fine system.

The minimum fine for violating the country’s IMBL would be Rs. 300,000 and it should be paid in US dollars, he said.

However, heavy poaching in the country’s waters by the Tamil Nadu fishermen, have increased despite the measures taken government to discourage them by confiscating their boats and fishing gear.