August 29, 2014

The First meeting of India-Sri Lanka Joint Committee on Fisheries related issues was held in New Delhi on 29 August 2014. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Joint Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and the Sri Lankan delegation was led by Mr. Nimal Hettiarachchi, Director General, Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources.

The Joint Committee explored avenues for bilateral cooperation in fisheries. The two sides agreed to examine joint opportunities between respective scientific institutes in research, development and capacity building. The Joint Committee noted that there are currently no bonafide fishermen in each other’s custody. The two sides also discussed opportunities for joint venture mechanisms in fisheries.

In acknowledging the need to maintain the momentum of bilateral dialogue process under the ambit of the Joint Committee mechanism on fisheries related issues, both sides agreed to organise the next round of meeting of the Joint Committee in Colombo at a suitable date, to be decided in due course by mutual consultations.