Protests by Mullaitivu fishermen intensified this month as businesses carried out a hartal and staged a demonstration in front of the District Secretariat, as they demanded an end to encroachment by Indian trawler boats.

A rally was held in Mullaitivu by the fisheries organisations, fishermen and political representatives condemning the encroachment of Indian trawler boats and the impact it was having on their livelihoods. Many stores across Mullaitivu town were closed as businesses and markets carried out a hartal in support of the campaign, along with the Mullaitivu District Private Bus Owners Association suspending transport services.

The rally commenced at Mullaitivu beach and finished in front of the District Secretariat, where the Fishermen’s Association’s President and Chairman handed over a petition to the district’s government officer. Copies of the petition were also sent to the Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Minister of Fisheries, and to the Governor, Prime Minister and President of the Northern Province.

A number of organisations including, Mullaitivu District Fishermen's Co-operative Societies Association, District Fishermen's Association, National Fishermen's Cooperation Movement, Mullaitivu Divisional Chamber of Commerce, Mullaitivu District Private Bus Owners Association, Coastal Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Palm Coconut Development Co-operative Society, Mullaitivu Hairdressers Association, and Karithuraipattu Rural Development Association have expressed their complete support towards the movement. 

The awareness campaign, which respected COVID-19 measures by maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, was attended by a number of politicians, who were also provided with a copy of the petition.