TN GOVT Hikes Compensation to the Owners of Mechanized boats seized by the Sri Lanka Navy

The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced an increase in compensation for the owners of mechanized ships seized by the Navy of Sri Lanka. The compensation will rise from RS 6 Lakh to RS 8 Lakh per boat, according to an order issued by Prime Minister MK Stalin.

In addition, daily financial assistance for fishermen families arrested in Sri Lanka prisons has increased from RS 350 to RS 500. The order was approved on Monday.

In an effort to find a long -term solution to the recurring arrests of Tamile fishermen, a leaders of the Association of Fishermen of Fishermen of Tamil Nadu He is ready to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of La Unión, S. Jaishankar in Delhi. The delegation will be directed by the deputy secretary of DMK and deputy of Thothukudi Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.

Tamil Nadu’s fishing minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan confirmed that arrangements are being made for the meeting, and the date will be announced soon.

The fishermen and their families of the coastal villages of Tamil Nadu, particularly in Rameswaram and Thanagachimadam, are currently in an indefinite strike to protest the frequent arrests and the seizure of their ships. Since February 24, 700 mechanized boat fishermen have suspended operations, maintaining their docked vessels. The strike is causing a loss of estimated daily income of RS One million rupees, which affected more than 10,000 workers in the fishing industry.

In a recent meeting held at the Rameswaram fishing port, fishermen associations unanimously decided to stop all fishing activities until they are released to detained fishermen. Vice President Sesuraja, president of the Traditional Indian Fishermen’s Welfare Association, revealed that Tamil Nadu fishermen have been arrested four times only this month. Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 119 fishermen and 16 ships have been seized. He also highlighted the financial tension of the families of the fishermen detained, who often have to pay strong fines imposed by the authorities of Sri Lanka for their release.

Fearing more arrests, many fishermen now hesitate to venture into the sea.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stalin He has urged the union government to take immediate measures to protect fishermen from frequent attacks from seas, arrests and seizures in boats by the Sri Lanka Navy.

In a letter to the center on Monday, CM Stalin stressed that in the last 10 years under the government led by BJP, 3,656 fishermen Tamil Nadu have been arrested, 613 ships have been seized and 736 attacks against them have been carried out.

He stressed that only the central government can find a lasting solution to this crisis.

CM Stalin also pointed out that bilateral conversations between Indian fishermen and Sri Lanka, which are last held in 2010, have not resumed. Despite the guarantees of the Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar regarding diplomatic discussions, tangible progress has been made.

The prime minister urged the government of the Union to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen are treated as Indian citizens first, safeguarding their fishing rights, pressing Sri Lanka to repeal the fishermen’s law of Sri Lanka de Sri Lanka 2018 (foreign fishing ships regulation) and ensuring fishing rights in the Katatchatheevu region for Tamil Nadu.

As the crisis deepens, fishermen are asking for urgent diplomatic intervention to avoid more arrests and economic difficulties for coastal communities.

(With Ians inputs)