COLOMBO, SRI LANKA — In a pointed and unscheduled move, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made an inspection visit to the uninhabited island of Katchatheevu on Monday, just days after actor-turned-politician Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) called for India to reclaim the island. The visit, officially described as a follow-up to development programs in the Jaffna district, is widely seen as a strong message from Colombo affirming its sovereignty over the disputed territory.
Katchatheevu, a small island in the Palk Strait, was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in a 1974 maritime boundary agreement. Despite the formal handover, the issue continues to be a point of contention in Tamil Nadu, where fishermen frequently face arrest by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly straying into Sri Lankan waters.
Tamil Nadu’s Response and Vijay’s Demand
The recent flare-up was ignited by TVK chief Vijay, who, at a political rally in Madurai, directly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka at least now for our fishermen’s safety.” His statement, delivered in the context of the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, was framed as a necessary step to protect the livelihood of local fishermen.
Tamil Nadu Politicians: The Katchatheevu issue has long been a political hot potato in Tamil Nadu. The DMK, a key political party in the state, has consistently demanded the island’s return. Vijay’s statement, therefore, resonated with a longstanding regional sentiment. The timing of his demand, ahead of state elections, is seen by many as a strategic move to position his new party as a champion for Tamil interests.
Sri Lanka’s Reaction
Sri Lanka’s response has been swift and firm. The visit by President Dissanayake, a highly symbolic gesture, serves to visually reinforce Sri Lanka’s ownership. The Sri Lankan President’s office stated that the visit was an “inspection,” a clear signal of his government’s administrative control and unwavering stance on the matter.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath: In an earlier response, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath had dismissed Vijay’s remarks as “electioneering in South India” and “poll-time rhetoric.” He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s position in no uncertain terms, stating, “Katchatheevu Island belongs to Sri Lanka. It is an island belonging to Sri Lanka. Therefore, that will never change.”
Official Position: The Sri Lankan government’s position is that the 1974 and 1976 agreements are legally binding and have formally settled the issue. They view repeated demands for the island’s return as a politically motivated and an unnecessary strain on bilateral relations.
Historical Context and Legal Standing
The issue of Katchatheevu is currently under legal scrutiny in India, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hold a final hearing on petitions challenging the 1974 and 1976 agreements. The case, originally filed by the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, is now being pursued by the DMK leader T.R. Baalu.
While the issue is a deeply emotional one for the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu, who claim traditional rights to the waters, the legal and diplomatic consensus is that Katchatheevu is Sri Lankan territory. The ongoing diplomatic friction underscores the challenges both nations face in balancing national sovereignty with the livelihoods of their fishing communities.
