Lankan fishermen detained in Andra released

Ridma Dissanayake

Twenty five Sri Lankan fishermen and five fishing trawlers were released from Indian custody yesterday, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry sources said.

Thejan-01, Aravinda Putha, Nataliya-04, Pemkurulla-03 and Geeruk-01 were detained in Andra Pradesh on April 27 and 30 for allegedly crossing the Indian Maritime Boundary Lines (IMBL) along with the 25 crew.

The Indian authorities handed over the fishermen and fishing vessels to the Sri Lanka Navy at Kankesanthurai yesterday.

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

There are no Sri Lankan fishermen or fishing trawler in Indian custody at present. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry sources urged Sri Lankan fishermen not to cross the IMBL when fishing.