Member of Parliament Thurairasa Ravikaran has publicly questioned the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s naval operations amid growing concerns over the increasing presence of Indian fishing trawlers in the Northern Provincial waters. Raising the issue at a meeting held last Friday at the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, he asked whether the Navy has failed in its duty to control cross-border incursions and whether its surveillance systems are functioning properly.
The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Fisheries, focused on the ongoing issue of illegal fishing activities in northern waters. During the discussion, Ravikaran expressed strong concern over what he described as the unchecked encroachment of Indian trawlers, which he said are now operating dangerously close to Sri Lanka’s shoreline.
According to Ravikaran, these vessels are engaging in illegal fishing practices without facing any resistance, causing severe damage to marine resources and threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen. He questioned how such boats could approach so close to land without being detected or stopped, asking authorities where the Navy’s attention had been during these incursions.
The parliamentarian went further, directly challenging officials by suggesting that if there were technical issues, they should be disclosed transparently. He stated that if the Navy’s surveillance equipment was not functioning, authorities should inform the public, adding that he would be prepared to raise the matter with the President to secure new equipment if necessary.
In response to these allegations, a Navy official present at the meeting rejected claims of inaction, stating that naval forces are actively monitoring the situation around the clock. The official maintained that the Navy is conducting continuous surveillance and taking necessary measures against any Indian trawlers found encroaching into Sri Lankan waters.
