Fisheries (Regulation of Foreign Fishing Boats) Act, No. 59 of 1979.

This Act, consisting into four Parts, aims to regulate, control and manage fishing and related activities performed by foreign vessels within Sri Lanka waters. It specifies requirements and conditions where any foreign fishing boat enters Sri Lanka waters otherwise than under the authority of a permit issued under section the fishing gear of such boat shall, at all times while it is in such waters, be kept stowed in the prescribed manner. The Secretary or any authorized person with the approval of the Minister, on application made therefor and payment of the prescribed fee, may issue a permit in respect of any foreign fishing vessel, authorizing that vessel to be used for a specific fishing and related activities, in such area or areas of Sri Lanka waters, and during such periods, as may be specified in the permit. Every permit shall be in the prescribed form. Every application for a permit shall be made to the Secretary in the prescribed form and shall contain the prescribed details. The Act is divided as follows: Administration (Part I); Controls over Fishing and Related Activities by Foreign Fishing Boats in Sri Lanka Waters (Part II); Powers of Authorized Officers (Part III); Offences (Part IV).