Lankan fishermen, vessels released

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry sources said 21 Sri Lankan fishermen and four fishing trawlers in Indian custody due to crossing the International Maritime Boundary Lines (IMBL), were released yesterday.

The intervention of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne and Sri Lanka Deputy High Commissioner led to their immediate release.

Fisheries Ministry sources said Nimasha 01, Anusha 01, Ashen Putha 01 and Hanshika were in Indian custody with their crew since January 17, 2013.

They were arrested by the Tamil Nadu Coast Guard. These fishermen are now sheltered at the Maha Bodhi Temple in India. They will return to the country soon after they are granted permission by the Home Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. Presently, there are no fisherman or Sri Lankan fishing vessels in Indian custody, the sources said.