The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources development in terms of the instructions of Minister has banned several illegal fishing methods such as purse seine including Laila, Surukku and Podu, blast fishing using Dynamite or other explosives and Bottom Trawling fishing practices.

Nevertheless, many cases of adopting illegal fishing methods have been reported and thus Hon. Minister has appointed a committee comprised of the experts in the fisheries filed to investigate on such illegal fishing practices on Sri Lankan waters.

Professor Sunil Jayakody was appointed as the president of the committee in which Dr. Sisira Ariyawansha and the Legal Officer to MFARD Mrs. Salika Waduthanthri will be the committee members. 

According to the directives of Minister, a report shall be submitted on practicing Laila and Surukku nets within the first three months from the appointment of the committee. 

The report on other illegal fishing practices shall be produced subsequently within the following three months.

Minister also instructed the committee to collect information from related parties and anyone interested can contact 011-2521932 and provide relevant information.