Sri Lankan fishermen stage black‑flag protest in Jaffna over Tamil Nadu fishing incursions

Fishermen in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, marched on the Kuthenthurai beach waving black flags to denounce Tamil Nadu (India) fishing vessels that they say regularly violate Sri Lankan waters. The protestors accused the Indian boats of using prohibited gear such as double‑net, roller net and curved‑net fisheries, which they claim damage marine habitats, reefs and local fish stocks.

The demonstrators submitted a petition to Sri Lankan fisheries authorities demanding action against the Tamil Nadu vessels and seeking protection for local fishermen’s livelihoods. They also reported that the Indian fishing boats have damaged local fishing gear and disrupted the marine ecosystem.

Sri Lankan officials have been urged to enforce existing maritime boundaries and prevent the illegal entry of foreign fishing vessels, while the issue highlights ongoing tensions over shared ocean resources between the two neighboring countries.