A tense situation has erupted between the fishing communities in Manayaveli and Samudragama in Trincomalee. This incident follows multiple reports of tension between fishing villages in Trincomalee

Villagers from Manayaveli traditionally involved in fishing claim that in the past few years, they have been assaulted, their fishing equipment damaged, and catch stolen in mid-sea by unknown persons, causing them to lose their main source of income on top of bodily harm. One of the victims said:

“When we have attempted to defend ourselves the assailants provoke us by saying ‘if you can come to our village’ trying to make this an issue that’s happening between Sinhala and Tamil villages”

Following the latest incident where the nets of about 20 boat owners were damaged and their catch stolen amounting up to a loss of at least 300,000/= per boat, and 4 getting injured after being assaulted with knives and stones, the villagers in Manayaveli have lodged a complaint against the incident at the harbour police on 11th April. They claim that even though they have complained in the past as well, no adequate action was taken by the police to put an end to the violence. 

This ongoing situation has created a sense of fear among the fishing communities, with many unable to go out to sea for fear of further attacks. This tense situation follows similar incidents in Trincomalee between fishing villages in the past few weeks. The fishing communities are urging the authorities to take necessary actions to ensure their safety and protect their livelihoods.