No attacks on Indian fishermen - Navy

The Sri Lanka Navy has made a thorough investigation into the allegation of harassment and assault of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters on March 9 and found that no such incident has taken place, the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi, India said in a release yesterday.

"The alleged incident was telecast and published in several Indian television channels and newspapers and the Navy found out that it was based on inaccurate, hearsay reports without any evidence or credible proof," the release added.

The release: " There is deep concern that such malicious allegations against the Sri Lanka Navy are disguised attempts to harm the friendship, cooperation and the excellent understanding between India and Sri Lanka. "There is excellent cooperation between the Navies of Sri Lanka and India. The Sri Lanka Navy has come to the rescue of Indian fishermen in distress on humanitarian grounds on many occasions and provided them assistance using its vessels and personnel.

The Sri Lanka Navy will continue its humanitarian operations in the future as well and make available its expertise in rescuing distressed vessels and providing protection and assistance to seafarers whenever they are in difficulty in Sri Lankan waters."