Exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka

In 1982, Sri Lanka was an active member in the third Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) proclaiming her Maritime Zones.

Sri Lanka has petitioned the United Nations based on scientific and other data to extend its EEZ beyond the current 200 Nautical miles.

[5][6] Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been accused by the Sri Lankan fishing community of poaching within the EEZ, claiming that Tamil Nadu fishermen have been engaged in bottom trawling which has been banned in Sri Lanka since 2017 due to it severe damage to the marine ecosystem.

[9] Confrontations at sea has led to several deaths on both sides, which included an Indian fisherman and a Sri Lankan navy sailor.

[10] Indian fishermen and boats arrested in Sri Lankan waters are charged under the "Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No 2 of 1996" and released after the court hands them two years of rigorous imprisonment suspended for two years, retreat offenders are given prison terms.