Fishermen in Indian custody return on February 27
Ridma DISSANAYAKE
Twenty one fishermen and four fishing vessels in Indian custody have
been released. They will return to Sri Lanka on February 27, Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry sources said yesterday.
Nimasha - 01, Anusha - 01, Ashen Putha - 01 and Hanshika were taken
in to custody in Tamil Nadu, India for allegedly crossing the Indian
Maritime Boundary Lines (IMBL) along with the 21 crew.
The vessels left from Nilwella, Cod Bay and Tangalle Fisheries
Harbour last month.
The Indian Coastguard will hand over the fishermen and fishing
vessels to the Sri Lanka Navy at Kankesanturai on February 27.
Ministry sources said the involvement of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne enabled the
fishermen’s release in a short time.
The sources urged Sri Lankan fishermen not to cross the IMBL during
fishing. |
