Sri Lanka to auction 105 seized Indian fishing trawlers

The Sri Lankan government has decided to auction 105 seized Indian fishing trawlers, anchored in its various harbours from 7 to 11 February.

Reports, quoting Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Director General S.J.Kahawatta, on Sunday said the Indian fishing trawlers were confiscated by the Sri Lankan Navy on various occasions for indulging in illegal bottom-trawling in the Island nation’s territorial waters.

Kahawatta said the Fisheries department will dispose of some 105 Indian bottom trawlers at a public auction next month after legal proceedings were concluded.

The decision was taken to auction them since the seized boats are partially damaged or not in usable condition. In addition, these trawlers have been anchored in Navy jetties for years and have become breeding grounds for dengue. ‘We need to write off these crafts from our book since the court proceedings concluded a long time ago,’ he said.

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