World · South & Central Asia · 12 hrs ago
Sri Lanka president says India recognises its claim to Katchatheevu
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said India had acknowledged that Katchatheevu belongs to Sri Lanka.
He made the remarks at a rally in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province while describing ties with India as good.
Katchatheevu is an island near the maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka.
India’s Supreme Court recently heard petitions challenging the agreements that transferred the island to Sri Lanka in 1974 and 1976.
India’s attorney general told the court that India did not intend to reopen those agreements.
The dispute is linked to frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen accused of fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The court case is due to be heard again in February 2027, and a judge said Indian authorities should urge fishermen not to cross into Sri Lankan waters.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said India had acknowledged that Katchatheevu belongs to Sri Lanka.
He made the statement at a public rally in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province on October 11, 2026.
He cited a recent reference to the island during a hearing at India’s Supreme Court.
India’s Attorney General reportedly told the court that India did not intend to reopen agreements concerning the island.
The Supreme Court case is scheduled to be heard next in February 2027.
- Who
- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- What
- He said India had acknowledged that Katchatheevu belongs to Sri Lanka.
- When
- October 11, 2026.
- Where
- A public rally in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province.
- Why
- He cited India’s position to highlight the countries’ good relations.
Petitioners challenging the Katchatheevu agreements
India’s Central government
Legal position
Petitioners challenging the Katchatheevu agreements
The petitioners challenge the ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka as unconstitutional.
India’s Central government
The Attorney General told the court that India did not intend to reopen the 1974 and 1976 agreements.
We maintain good bilateral relations with India. The Central government of India has acknowledged before the Supreme Court that Katchatheevu Island belongs to Sri Lanka
excellent relations
will never allow its airspace, land, or sea to be used in a manner that poses a threat to our neighbour, India
India’s Supreme Court heard petitions challenging the ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake told a rally that India had acknowledged Sri Lanka’s claim to Katchatheevu.
The Supreme Court case is scheduled to be heard next.
- Island
- Katchatheevu
- Sri Lankan president
- Anura Kumara Dissanayake
- Rally location
- North Western Province, Sri Lanka
- Agreements at issue
- 1974 and 1976
- Next court hearing
- February 2027
Sources
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