India released 16 Sri Lankan fishermen who were in custody in Karnataka State in South India. The Fisheries Ministry stated that early arrangements will be made to bring them back to Sri Lanka.
A Fisheries Ministry spokesman said another batch of 23 Sri Lankan fishermen are still in custody in Andhra Pradesh, South India and efforts are being made to obtain their release.
He said 12 Sri Lankan boats are also under the custody of Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, President Mahinda Rajapaksa ordered officials to take immediate steps to release Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. This gesture was taken in view of Indian Independence Day anniversary which falls on August 15. Accordingly, 95 Indian fishermen will be released under the President’s instruction.
Consequently, there are no more Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan prisons facing charges of trespassing.
2014 Department of Government Information