Lankan fishermen in Indian custody released

Ridma Dissanayake

Fifteen Sri Lankan fishermen taken into custody by the Indian Coastguard were released on February 10.

The Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lankan Coastguard assisted in the repatriation of the fishermen.

According to Navy sources, the 15 Sri Lankan fishermen and their three fishing vessels - Niranjana , Gulf Star Marina and Champa 06 were handed over to the Sri Lankan Coastguard by the Indian Coastguard vessel Rani Ambakka in the seas off Kankesanthurai.

All the fishermen and fishing boats were brought safely to the Kankesanthurai Harbour. Arrangements were made for them to return to their home towns.

According to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry, the fishermen were arrested by the Indian Coastguard for allegedly fishing in Indian territorial waters. The ministry urged Sri Lankan fishermen not to trespass into Indian territorial waters for fishing.

The early release of the Sri Lankan fishermen and boats is a result of speedy measures taken by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coastguard and Indian counterparts.