Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chithral Fernando yesterday met the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, requesting that technology from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) be provided to prevent the loss of lives of Sri Lankan fishermen in the high seas.
In a statement on social media, MP Fernando said that during the young political leaders’ visit to India last June, he had the opportunity to visit ISRO in Bangalore and It was learned that, in addition to space exploration, ISRO has developed and is successfully using the DAT-SG (Distress Alert Transmitter – Second Generation) system, which employs satellite technology to prevent disasters faced by fishermen in the high seas.
“After further studying the matter, I met with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and requested that steps be taken to provide this technology for the benefit of Sri Lankan fishermen, starting with pilot testing along the coastal areas of the Puttalam District,” he said.
MP Fernando further said that, in addition, he had requested the Indian High Commissioner to provide the Indian NAVIC technology software, which facilitates fishing activities, to the Sri Lankan fishing community. (Newswire)
