Fisheries Ministry on Wednesday have stated the alleges about Government allowing sea vessels in and out of Maldives Economic Zones and also use it as a route to Arabian Sea are all false accusations. 
In a press release، Fisheries Ministry stated that Sri Lanka have requested permission to use Maldives waters as a route to Arabian Sea، but the Government have never given the permission.
“Up to today the main request by Sri Lanka in all the official meetings and Joint Commissions is to allow them to use Maldives Economic Zone as a route to the Arabian sea.” Fisheries Ministry statement says.
Fisheries Ministry states that Government has always justified saying، Sri Lankan vessels can use the Maldives Economic Zones and waters under the guidelines stated in the Law regarding Fishing in Maldives.
Moreover، the statement said that it is strongly possible that Sri Lanka will propose the request during the Joint Commission session to be held on Wednesday. However، Government will not do anything to obstruct the fishing industry in Maldives، ensured in the Fisheries Ministry’s press release.
The Maldives – Sri Lanka Joint Commission was established in 1984، under the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the two countries. Five sessions of the Commission have been held to date، with the last session held in Male’ in April 2006.
Maldives Delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon، Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Shiham، Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee، and senior officials from ministries.