Find ‘firm’ solution to fishermen issue: Sirisena

The Lankan President made the demand during a meeting with Modi where the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in a whole host of areas, including energy and health. 

There was a discussion on the thorny issue of fishermen. President Sirisena said he wanted a firm solution on the issue. Modi agreed with him and said “we must find a proper solution to this long festering issue,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said here after the meeting held ahead of the BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit here, 50 km from Panaji. 

“As you know we have invited the Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister to India and we hope at that time, the discussions would lead to some kind of mutually acceptable outcome,” Swarup said. 

The Lankan leader thanked Modi for gifting ambulances to western and southern provinces and hoped this will be extended to other areas as well, Swarup said. “He briefed Modi on progress in rehabilitation projects in the northern province,” he said.