Police confront Mullaitivu fishermen protesting against illegal Sinhala fishing

Riot police confronted fishermen in Mullaitivu protesting against illegal fishing by Sinhala fishermen.

 02Aug 2018

Fishermen tried to enter the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, accusing the Department of accepting bribes from Sinhala fishermen to allow them to fish in the region unlawfully. 

Stones were thrown at the building as demonstrating fishermen expressed their anger and frustration at their livelihoods being destroyed by Sinhala fishermen, who they said were aided by the military and state bodies. 

The protest, organised by the Mullaitivu District Fishermen Association, began with at Tsunami remembrance memorial in Mullaitivu. Families of the fishermen joined them in their protest, whilst local businesses remain closed to express their support. 

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