Katchatheevu Cannot Be Handed Over to India – Minister Wijitha Herath

07-Jul-2025

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The Katchatheevu issue continues to be raised on Indian political platforms. Under international law, Katchatheevu belongs to Sri Lanka and cannot be handed over to India under any circumstances, Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath said.

Speaking in an interview with a private television channel about Indian fishermen’s poaching and the Katchatheevu matter, he stated: “Strict measures have been taken against Indian fishermen engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. We are holding diplomatic discussions with India’s central government, which has expressed opposition to these acts. Nonetheless, Tamil Nadu fishermen persist in such activities.”

“To resolve this, we continue diplomatic engagement. In India, Katchatheevu remains a recurrent political topic, especially during elections.”

“The Katchatheevu agreement was signed during Indira Gandhi’s tenure. Now, Modi’s government is in power. Under international law, Katchatheevu is Sri Lankan territory. It cannot be ceded to India under any circumstances.”

“Although it resurfaces in Indian election debates, legally the agreement cannot be altered. The island unequivocally belongs to Sri Lanka. Future measures will be taken to modernize Katchatheevu,” he affirmed.