Sri Lankan MP and Leader of the Democratic Left Front Vasudeva Nanayakkara called for India to be taken before an international tribunal, over the issue of Indian fishermen poaching in “Sri Lankan waters”, as Tamil Nadu's chief minister called for a "strong and sustained diplomatic initiative" from the Indian prime miniser.
"We must take the case before the International Tribunal under the Law of the Sea Convention,” said Mr Nanayakkara. “The continuous violation of International Admiralty Law or the guidelines set by the International Maritime Courts is an international issue.”
“The attempts at the bilateral level failed to find solutions," he added.
His comments come as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jaylalithaa wrote again to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying “it is time the issue is taken up not only through the normal diplomatic channels, but at an appropriately high political level and the release of the fishermen and the boats secured without further delay”.
"We are still awaiting the much anticipated strong and sustained diplomatic initiative to resolve the vexatious issue," she said.
His comments come following the arrest of 19 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy on Saturday off the coast of Vadamaradchi East.
See our earlier post: 19 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan navy (10 Oct 2015)