Sri Lankan Member of Parliament and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem made strong remarks on the Katchatheevu dispute during a press conference held in Chennai on Friday, stating that the island’s sovereignty is a “settled matter” under international law and existing bilateral agreements between India and Sri Lanka.

Hakeem said that any attempt to reopen or re-examine the status of Katchatheevu would require engagement through international legal mechanisms, including the United Nations, as neither country can unilaterally alter the established maritime boundary. He emphasized that the issue had already been addressed through formal agreements and legal frameworks, and therefore should not be repeatedly raised as a quick solution to ongoing fishermen-related tensions.

The Sri Lankan MP also addressed the recurring issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, describing it as a serious humanitarian and livelihood concern rather than purely a legal dispute. He said that the matter continues to strain bilateral relations and affects coastal communities on both sides, particularly due to frequent incidents involving fishing near the maritime boundary.

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Hakeem further noted that Indian citizens are permitted to visit Katchatheevu for religious purposes, especially for pilgrimage to St Antony’s Church. He stated that such visits are generally facilitated by Sri Lankan authorities and local fishermen, and that tensions typically arise when fishing vessels allegedly cross maritime limits or engage in what Sri Lanka considers illegal fishing activities.

Calling for long-term cooperation, Hakeem suggested the formation of a joint cooperative society involving fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka to help address the conflict in a structured manner. He also highlighted concerns over the use of banned fishing gear and unsustainable practices, which he said are contributing to the depletion of marine resources in the region.

Concluding his remarks, Hakeem proposed that the Indian government consider financial support measures to help Tamil Nadu fishermen transition toward deep-sea fishing as an alternative livelihood strategy. He also announced plans for a joint delegation of Tamil-speaking political parties from Sri Lanka to visit Chennai soon and meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to discuss coordinated solutions to the long-standing issue.

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