Fishermen handed over to Indian authorities

Sarath Malalasekera

The 10 Indian fishermen arrested by the Navy in Sri Lankan waters who had been later handed over to the Immigration and Emigration Department were handed over to the Indian authorities on an order of the Mannar Magistrate.

Immigration and Emigration Controller P. B. Abeykoon paid a tribute to Indian High Commission officials in Sri Lanka for their assistance to the Immigration officials to make arrangements to hand over the fishermen to the Indian authorities.

Abeykoon said Indian Embassy officials took prompt action to issue travel documents to the 10 Indian fishermen to travel to India.

The officials of the Investigation Unit of the Immigration and Emigration Department co-ordinated with the relevant organisations for an early return of the Indian fishermen.