Lankan fishermen detained by India return tomorrow

Mohammed Naalir

COLOMBO: Twelve fishermen and two fishing trawlers detained by the Indian coast guard will be sent back to Sri Lanka tomorrow following talks with Sri Lankan High Commission officials in India.

The Sri Lankan fishermen who entered the Indian sea area were arrested by the Indian Coast Guard on August 22. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera held discussions with officials of the Sri Lankan High Commission in India following the arrest.

The fishermen were taken into custody by Indian Coast Guard for entering the Indian coastal belt, ministry sources said.

The trawlers Sadasarana and Ran Kurulla from Wennappuwa were nabbed by the Indian Coast Guard, the sources added. The trawlers and the fishermen are due to return from Tuticorin tomorrow.