India and Sri Lanka agreed to convene the next meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fishing at an early date to address various issues relating to fishing by the two sides. This was decided during the visit of Foreign Secretary of India, Mrs. Nirupama Rao to Sri Lanka on 30-31 January 2011.

 The Joint Working Group would also address the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on development and cooperation in the field of fisheries. It was decided as well to enhance and promote contacts between the fishermen’s associations on both sides, since such contacts have proved to be mutually beneficial.

During her visit, she called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris. She also met Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and External Affairs Secretary Mr. C.R. Jayasinghe.

To read the Joint Statement :