SLN tightens restriction on Mannaar fishermen

[TamilNet, Friday, 13 August 2010, 12:47 GMT]
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has tightened the restriction on fishermen of Thalaimannaar imposed during the war time, since last week. They have been instructed by SLN authorities to obtain 'pass' (permission) from the SLN before going to sea for fishing, according to fisheries society sources in Mannaar.

The fishermen, hampered by the new restriction, are undergoing hardships to engage in their livelihood of fishing.

Meanwhile, the fishermen were earlier allowed to rest on sand banks in Thalaimannaar Sea in the midst of their routine fishing.

Now, SLN has instructed them not to rest on the sand banks and had chased them while doing so.

SLN has piled firewood on the sand banks preventing fishermen resting on them.

Fisheries societies in Mannaar have complained to Fisheries Department and their elected representatives of Mannaar district.