Modi seeks release of Indian fishermen, reconciliation in Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (April 5) urged Sri Lanka to free the nearly 90 Indian fishermen now in custody and also meet the aspirations of the island nation’s Tamil community.

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Modi did not overlook issues concerning the fishing community from Tamil Nadu and the interests of the Sri Lankan Tamil community even as he took bilateral ties with Colombo to a new level.

Modi seeks ‘humane approach’

In a statement to the media after bilateral talks between the two countries, Modi – who arrived in Sri Lanka onFriday night on a three-day visit – pleaded for “a humane approach” to the lingering fishing row between the two countries.

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Sri Lankan authorities accuse fishermen from Tamil Nadu of intruding into their country’s waters and also using bottom trawlers that scoops the marine bed, causing intense destruction.

‘Free Indian fishermen’

Tamil fishing communities from Sri Lanka’s north have been repeatedly protesting against what they call an Indian intrusion, and have urged the Sri Lankan government to ensure them protection.

“We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood,” Modi said, after talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake. “We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.”

Stalin’s charge

Just before Modi arrived in Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin asked the Indian government to take steps to retrieve the Katchatheevu island that New Delhi ceded to Colombo in 1974.

Stalin also made a strong case for the immediate release of Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lankan custody. He also accused the Sri Lankan authorities of impounding the Indian fishing boats.

Modi on reconciliation

Modi said he and Dissanayake then spoke about “reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka”.

This was an obvious reference to unending demands for a genuine reconciliation in Sri Lanka’s north and east where a horrific Tamil separatist conflict ended in 2009, leaving thousands of people dead.

Modi said he was told by Disanayaka appraised about “his inclusive approach”.

Modi on Tamil aspirations

“We hope the Sri Lankan government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting provincial council elections,” Modi said.

Modi’s reference was clearly to the India-induced 13th amendments to the Indian Constitution that followed a 1987 India-Sri Lanka accord and which introduced the provincial council system in the island nation.

Some Sri Lankan political leaders, Dissanayake included, have in the past railed against the 13th amendment as an interference by India in Sri Lankan affairs.

India’s backing to Sri Lanka

Modi, visiting Sri Lanka for a fourth time as prime minister, said he was glad to see Colombo “back on the path of progress” after a devastating economic crisis that hit the country in 2022.

“India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour,” he said, without specifying the Indian economic bailout. “Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the Covid pandemic or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty.”

Debt restructuring

Modi said in the last six months alone, India had converted loans worth more than $100 million into grants. “Our bilateral ‘Debt Restructuring Agreement’ will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka. Today we have also decided to reduce interest rates. It symbolises that even today, India stands with the people of Sri Lanka.”

He added that the holy relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960 in the Aravali region of Modi’s home state Gujarat would be sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition.