Fishermen in Indian custody return on February 27

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Twenty one fishermen and four fishing vessels in Indian custody have been released. They will return to Sri Lanka on February 27, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry sources said yesterday.

Nimasha - 01, Anusha - 01, Ashen Putha - 01 and Hanshika were taken in to custody in Tamil Nadu, India for allegedly crossing the Indian Maritime Boundary Lines (IMBL) along with the 21 crew.

The vessels left from Nilwella, Cod Bay and Tangalle Fisheries Harbour last month.

The Indian Coastguard will hand over the fishermen and fishing vessels to the Sri Lanka Navy at Kankesanturai on February 27.

Ministry sources said the involvement of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne enabled the fishermen’s release in a short time.

The sources urged Sri Lankan fishermen not to cross the IMBL during fishing.