Matters relating to fishing in the waters between India and Sri Lanka were discussed at a high level meeting convened by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao in New Delhi on Saturday. It was agreed that the welfare, safety and security of the Indian fishermen will continue to get the highest priority of both the Central and the Tamil Nadu government. The meeting which was held in background of the recent killing and arrest of Indian fishermen decided that the centre and the state government will encourage a delegation of fishermen Association from Tamil Nadu to visit Sri Lanka to meet their counterparts there. The meeting felt that such contacts have proved to be mutually beneficial and need to be strengthened. The meeting also focussed on increasing security in the vicinity of the International Maritime Boundary Line Tamil Nadu. While New Delhi expressed satisfaction over the release of the 136 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Government, it was emphasised that resorting to firing and use of force against Indian fishermen had no justification. The meeting welcomed the convening of the Joint Working Group on Fishing proposed for March. The Group will discuss the proposed draft Memorandum of Understanding on development and cooperation in the field of fisheries.The Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, the Director General of Coast Guard, Secretary (Animal Husbandry & Fisheries) of Tamil Nadu, and officials from the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs participated in the meeting.Tamil Nadu spoke about the on going efforts to inform their fishermen about the need to observe security and safety parameters while engaging in fishing activities in the waters between India and Sri Lanka. It was also decided that Tamil Nadu government will finalise the necessary arrangements, in consultation with the centre to facilitate the participation of Indian pilgrims at the St. Anthony’s festival at Kachchativu Island.