Inland Fisheries Management Regulations of 1996.

These Regulations shall apply to all parts of inland waters of Sri Lanka. No person shall use or operate any type of fishing gear other than rod and line for the purposes of taking fish in any part of the inland waters described in the Schedule to these Regulations except under authority of a licence issued by the Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or a licensing officer (reg. 3). A licence shall not be issued for gear specified in regulation 4. Applications for licences shall be made by persons being owners of fishing boats or gear in Form A as set out in the Schedule. Licences shall be issued in Form B as set out in the Schedule. Licences shall be valid for one year from the date of issue (reg. 7). The Director may from time to time limit the number of licences that may be issued in any area forming part of the inland waters brought under these Regulations in respect of each type of fishing gear or suspend licences for a specified period having regard to the sustainability of the resources in any area or a particular water body (reg. 9). Regulation 9 provides for cancellation of licences by the Director. Applicants may appeal against decisions of the Director with the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries whose decision shall be final and conclusive. (regs. 11 and 12). (13 regulations completed by a Schedule)