Arrested fishermen to be back home

Sixteen Sri Lankan fishermen who were arrested on November 19 for entering Indian waters, will be handed over to the Sri Lankan Navy on January 13 at the Kankasanthurai harbour, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry sources said.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne has intervened to secure the release of 16 fishermen who were arrested by Indian Coastal Guards. The Minister will take measures to get released other 113 Sri Lankan fishermen who are in Indian custody.

These include 39 in Chennai, 74 in Andra Pradesh, Kerala, Andaman Islands along with 24 fishing boats.

According to International Maritime Law , clauses 73.2 , vessels and crew should be released on bail or surety . But on arrest, it is reported that they are dealt with rules and regulations prevailing in the specific country.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Recourses Development Ministry spent Rs 2.8 million in 2010 for air tickets and the welfare of the fishermen who were arrested for allegedly entering Indian waters. The Government spent 2.2 million in 2009.