Several Tamil fishermen in Mullaitivu have set sail in search of two missing colleagues, as the district's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Sri Lankan Navy failed to take action on the disappearances.
Two fishermen have not returned to shore since they left for the sea in the early hours of Tuesday (October 20th); their colleagues have gone to sea in 19 boats in search of them.
Mullaitivu Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Navy have been accused of not taking any actions regarding the issue, even though they were informed about it.
The Fisheries Minister was also informed about the issue. The fishermen requested the help of a helicopter to search for their missing co-workers; however no response has been received from the Fisheries Minister so far.
Considering this, the Mullaitivu fishing association fishermen stopped going in to work and went in search of their missing associates in the early hours of Wednesday (October 21st).
A number of politicians have visited the coast and inquired about the matter.
While the Sri Lankan Navy periodically publicises its civilian rescue efforts, Tamil fishermen have a fraught relationship with the forces, conflict frequently arising over fishing and anchorage rights.
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
