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India says Sri Lankan minister’s comments ‘are not helpful’

The spokesperson for India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a Sri Lankan minister’s statement vowing not to allow Indian fishermen into Sri Lankan waters was “not helpful”, as India reiterated its commitment to finding a solution to the fishing issue.

“Government attaches utmost importance to the safety and welfare of Indian fishermen,” said spokesperson Vikas Swarup, who said India was committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution”.

Earlier Sri Lanka’s fisheries minister Mahinda Amaraweera, reacted to proposals of allowing Indian fishermen into Sri Lanka’s waters for 65 days by vowing to block such moves. "Not 65 days, we will not agree for even 65 hours," said Mr Amaraweera. “We will not allow them to do fishing even for a single day in our waters.”

“Such remarks are not helpful,” said Mr Swarak.

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