The Fisheries Department of Sri Lanka has requested fishermen in the North to refrain from having associations with Indian fishermen in international waters due to the spreading of COVID-19. Fishermen are also requested not to trade or exchange goods, said Kalyani Hewapathirana, Director of Operations, Fisheries Department.
The Department will also issue a notice to refrain from smuggling illegal items such as turmeric. The Department of Fisheries further states that it is possible to protect Sri Lankan fishermen from the risk of COVID-19 by engaging in fishing activities according to health guidelines.