Sri Lankan fishing community representatives here rejected a request by their Indian counterparts to visit them to discuss their issues, including poaching.

Vinayagamurthi Sahadevan, Adviser of Northern Fisheries Association, said they rejected the proposal since it will be a futile attempt.

"If the prime ministers of the two countries could not sort out the problem, how can it be resolved by fishing community representatives alone?," Sahadevan asked.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India last week, his first official visit abroad since winning the parliamentary election in August.

"The two fishing community representatives will not be able to achieve any solution," Shadevan said. adding that they would consider the offer only if Sri Lankan fisheries officials are also taking part in the talks.