Pirated ship's captain confirms:

Lankan crew safe

Rafik JALALDEEN

The captain of the merchant vessel, held by Somali pirates Al-Nisr Al-Saudi has been allowed to talk with the shipping company. He has affirmed that the 13-member Sri Lankan crew on board are safe and in good health.

Al-Nisr Al-Saudi was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden with a 14-member crew on board, which include 13 Sri Lankans and the ship's Greek captain, Georgios Skalimis.

The hijackers have demanded a $20 million ransom. The ship is presently anchored off the coast of Somalia.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the Sri Lankan Consul General in Jeddah had contacted the General Manager of the shipping company.

The IBCO ensured to negotiate with the Somalian pirates and expedite release of all 14 hostages.

A group of experts to negotiate their release is due to arrive from the UK next week.

These experts will carry out the negotiation with the shipping company and the pirates.

However, it was expected that the negotiations can last 6-8 weeks.

"The shipping company has credited funds for the satellite phone for talk-time.