Government proposes huge fine on foreign boats

Sri Lanka has proposed a penalty of up to Rs17 crore (Indian rupees) on foreign boats that enter another country’s territorial waters for fishing, in the backdrop of a running spat with India over the latter’s fishermen straying into its waters.

Speaking at the 7th international maritime conference at Galle in Sri Lanka, fisheries and aquatic resources development minister Mahinda Amaraweera called for amending international laws to impose fine of Rs30 lakh-17 crore on boats that cross territorial waters.

The conference is being attended by representatives from 42 nations including India. Chief of the naval staff admiral Sunil Lanba, rear admiral Suraj Berry and commodore Sanjay Bhalla are representing India at the conference.

(Live Mint)