Navy denies allegations

The Sri Lanka Navy categorically denies allegations that Sri Lanka Naval personnel prevented about 2,000 fishermen from fishing in the seas near Kachchativu Island and seized their catch, as quoted by PTI yesterday.

Being a responsible Naval force, the Sri Lanka Navy adheres to international maritime laws and carries out surveillance and patrolling accordingly in the defence of Sri Lankan waters, a Navy release said.

The Sri Lanka Navy expressed deep concern over malicious allegations raised from time to time accusing it of harassing Indian fishermen. "None of these has, however, been able to provide credible proof regarding Sri Lanka Navy's involvement.

Most have been found to be mere hearsay and accusations with the intention of straining the good relations between Sri Lanka and India," the release said.

It added: "On numerous occasions, the Sri Lanka Navy has rescued Indian fishermen in distress on humanitarian grounds and provided them with assistance using its vessels and personnel despite the commitment of large number of resources and heavy expenses incurred by the Navy in the process.

The Sri Lanka Navy has helped Indian boats in distress in the Sri Lankan waters, on more than 10 occasions saving lives of many fishermen in 2011 alone.

"Indian fishermen have expressed their gratitude for the provision of swift assistance and the hospitality extended by the Sri Lanka Navy providing them with food and accommodation as well as technical and salvaging assistance while they are in trouble in Sri Lankan waters.

"The Sri Lanka Navy, being a responsible naval force honouring the international maritime laws, provides humanitarian assistance to local and foreign fishermen in distress.

It will continue its humanitarian operations in future and make available its expertise in rescuing and providing protection to sea farers when they are in difficulty in Sri Lankan waters."