Decks have been cleared for the release of 109 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy on a charge of trespassing into the territorial waters of the island nation during January and early February. After concerted efforts by the Tamil Nadu government, the Centre prevailed upon the Sri Lankan government and secured the release of the fishermen ahead of Katchatheevu festival, scheduled for February 23 and 24, official sources here said. The release order, signed by top Sri Lankan government authorities, reached Fisheries Department officials on Thursday and it would be produced before Kayts court on Friday, the sources said. The 109 fishermen, lodged in Jaffna prison, are likely to be released on Friday, after which the repatriation will take place, officials said. The fishermen were released in a gesture of goodwill ahead of the annual St Antony’ church festival in Katchatheevu, they added. Except for 15 odd fishermen, who were arrested recently, all the 109 fishermen from Rameswaram, Mandapam, Pudukottai and Nagapattinam, who were arrested since January 1, were being released. The Lankan government had earlier ordered release of 69 fishermen, including 10 from Karaikal, and they were repatriated on New Year eve. Last week, the island nation, in a humanitarian gesture, released P. Jayaseelan, a fisherman from Mandapam, to help him attend the funeral of his son. Three other fishermen, arrested along with him, were also released and they were repatriated on February 10, they said.