Maldives did not grant permission for Sri Lankan vessels to cross Maldivian territorial waters

Abdul Latheef

Ministry of Fisheries has denied the news that Maldives granted permission for Sri Lankan vessels to cross Maldivian territorial waters.

The Ministry stated that the Sri Lankan government has always sought to permission for Sri Lankan vessels to cross Maldivian territorial waters without prior permit. However up until now the government of Maldives has always requested Sri Lanka to follow the laws of Maldives related to Maldivian territorial waters.

The Ministry assured the people that the government will not do anything which will compromise the sovereignty of the Maldives and which will cause any negative impact on the fisheries industry of the Maldives.