Historically, there have been close cultural, economic, linguistic and ethnic linkages between Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. The rich fishing waters of Palk Bay region became a bone of contention over the years. This has largely affected the livelihood of fishermen community in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Both India and Sri Lanka need to address the issue, to promote and protect the interests of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen in sharing the maritime resources, in order to ensure peace and development in the region.

With this in view, the Centre for Security Analysis, as part of its activities, commissioned a Project to study the issues involved in depth. This book is the result of such an initiative.