The revision of this controversial ban comes just weeks before the presidential elections. Many fisherman families protested against the ban saying the restriction was destroying their livelihood.

Under the new rules, in the Southern Districts, the buffer zone had been reduced to 25 - 55 metres.

Some analysts believe the buffer zone was becoming a potent election issue in the deep South.

In a statement issued by the Government Information Department says, The Urban Development Ministry on the instruction of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse held discussions with relevant authorities including affected families."

In a recent report a campaign group, Tourism concern accused the authorities for giving priority to large scale tourism development projects in the guise of tsunami relief while ignoring the needs of the local population.

The 200 metre buffer zones introduced in the districts of Amapara, Batticaloa and Jaffna had been reduced up to a minimum of 50 metres.