India’s claim on Katchatheevu island is baseless : Douglas Devananda, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries

Jaffna (Sri Lanka) – India’s then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had gifted Katchatheevu Island, to Sri Lanka, which is located between India and Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, have accused Congress on this issue, stated Douglas Devananda, Sri Lanka’s former External Affairs Minister, and now, its Minister of Fisheries. He said during a press conference that the row over India reclaiming Katchatheevu Island is baseless. Given the forthcoming Parliamentary elections, such claims on Katchatheevu were not a new thing.

Devananda added,

Fishing was permitted in both countries’ territorial waters as per the 1974 agreement. However, in 1976, it was revised and the fishermen from both countries were banned from fishing in neighbouring waters.

There is Wadge Bank near Kanyakumari in India which is 80 times bigger than Katchatheevu. India secured it under the 1976 Review Agreement and has rights over the Wadge Bank with all the extensive natural resources.

India has been working for the safety of this region in its own interest and to prevent Sri Lankan fishermen from any access to this region. We have not made any claim on that part.

Editorial Perspective

Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Minister had made a similar statement about Katchatheevu. It was found under RTI that Congress had gifted Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka without anything in return; therefore, it is ridiculous of Sri Lanka to disregard the Agreement.