Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has underscored the need for a permanent solution to the fisheries conflict affecting fishermen of India and Sri Lanka.

In a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Y.K. Sinha, who called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday, Mr. Rajapaksa expressed concern over the impact the Palk Bay conflict had on fishermen and the environment, according to a statement form the President's office.

Mr. Sinha, the statement said, expressed his appreciation for the President’s gesture to release Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody on the occasion of the Indian Independence Day. On Wednesday, Mr. Rajapaksa ordered the release of 94 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody on charges of engaging in illegal fishing activity.

The Indian High Commissioner also briefed the President on the Indian CEOs Forum that is set to take place this week, it said. The High Commissioner presented Mr. Rajapaksa 'India & Sri Lanka: A Partnership That Transcends Time', a compilation of Indian projects in Sri Lanka published by the Indian High Commission, which Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa launched on Wednesday.
(The Hindu)