The system requiring Tamil fishermen in the north to acquire passes from military personal before setting out to sea will be reintroduced, reported the Uthayan.
The pass system, which was gradually stopped after the end of the armed conflict, caused enormous hardship to families relying on the fishing trade.
Local fishermen told the paper that the Sri Lankan army said at a meeting in Mathakal that the measures are being reintroduced for their “own good”, as “terrorists” will infiltrate the area from the sea.
The army has increased patrols along the northern shores and has re-established several check points on the coast in Vadamaraadchi, reported fishermen from the area.