30 multi-day trawlers driven by heavy winds towards the Maldives

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Fisheries states that 30 multi-day trawlers traveling in international waters have been washed towards the Maldives due to the prevailing heavy winds and incessant weather. The Assistant Director of the Investigative Unit at the Department, Padmapriya Tissera states that these boats have obtained permission to enter into the Maldivian territorial waters. The Maldivian officials have already been notified of the matter through the Foreign Ministry. The Assistant Director noted that continuous connection will be maintained with the fishermen that have been left stranded, in order to provide necessary protection. He further noted that the fisher folk should refrain from engaging in fishing activities along Mannar to Puttalam and Colombo,Galle and Hambantota along Potuvil till further notice.