Lankan fishermen in Indian custody released
Ridma Dissanayake
Fifteen Sri Lankan fishermen taken into custody by the Indian
Coastguard were released on February 10.
The Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lankan Coastguard assisted in the
repatriation of the fishermen.
According to Navy sources, the 15 Sri Lankan fishermen and their
three fishing vessels - Niranjana , Gulf Star Marina and Champa 06 were
handed over to the Sri Lankan Coastguard by the Indian Coastguard vessel
Rani Ambakka in the seas off Kankesanthurai.
All the fishermen and fishing boats were brought safely to the
Kankesanthurai Harbour. Arrangements were made for them to return to
their home towns.
According to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development
Ministry, the fishermen were arrested by the Indian Coastguard for
allegedly fishing in Indian territorial waters. The ministry urged Sri
Lankan fishermen not to trespass into Indian territorial waters for
fishing.
The early release of the Sri Lankan fishermen and boats is a result
of speedy measures taken by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Ministry, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coastguard and Indian counterparts. |
