When the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda met Viveka Nandan, Director of Fisheries Research Institute which is an Indian Non-Governmental Organization at the Ministry of Fisheries on 25.05.2023, he said that he as the Minister of Fisheries strongly condemned the destruction of Sri Lanka's marine resources which occurs time and again and the Indian fishermen not taking any action ever at any time to stop it.

In this meeting, the Minister further commented that although he discussed with the relevant parties on many occasions to stop the destruction being committed by Indian fishermen in the Sri Lankan coast, the Tamil Nadu fishermen are omitting the issue by taking time. Thus this problem dates back to 15 years while continuing illegal fishing activities and destruction of marine resources. The Minister said that the livelihood of Sri Lankan fishermen has been severely affected due to such activities being continued all the way long.

Mr. Viveka Nandan, who commented here, said that there is no one in Tamil Nadu to point out the destruction caused by Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka's coastal zone and he made many attempts to solve these issues. Certain politicians are taking political advantage of this issue despite not intervening in illegal fishing operations and Kachchativu issue. Both sides should come together to come to a fair decision, Mr. Viveka Nandan said.