Sri Lanka Dismisses Calls to Revisit Katchatheevu Island Transfer Amid Political Debate in India
• Sri Lanka states Katchatheevu issue was settled 50 years ago; foreign minister says no need to revisit matter • Issue involves island given to Sri Lanka in 1974 deal under Indira Gandhi; India retained fishing rights • BJP now alleges Congress gave up island due to Sri Lankan pressure; Congress denies and blames BJP rhetoric • Katchatheevu was controlled by Ceylon since 1921 but seen as part of Madras presidency under British • India and Sri Lanka signed more maritime agreements in 1976 after protests, giving India Wadge Bank fishing area