No harassment of Indian fishermen - Govt

COLOMBO: The Government yesterday strongly refuted allegations in foreign media reports that the Sri Lanka Navy had detained and harassed Indian fishermen aboard fishing trawlers which had been detected poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The Foreign Ministry stated that the Sri Lanka Navy shore based radars at Talaimannar and Delft island detected approximately 300 Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters close to Talaimannar and Delft island, heading towards the uncleared area of Vedithalthivu around 11.30 hours on July 2 2008.

Following the receipt of credible information that the LTTE was attempting to use the presence of the trawlers for terrorist activities, Sri Lanka Navy boats rushed to the area and checked 289 trawlers and after conducting inquiries, permitted the trawlers to leave with the crew back into the Indian waters.

“At no point were the fishermen harassed by Navy personnel or subjected to any humiliation as alleged in certain media reports,” the Foreign Ministry said.

It may be recalled that Tamil Nadu fishermen themselves have on several occasions acknowledged the humanitarian assistance rendered by the Sri Lanka Navy to them at times of distress at sea.

It is the consistent policy of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy to treat fishermen apprehended in Sri Lankan waters in a humanitarian manner.