Navy assists in the repatriation of 25 Sri Lankan fishermen

Friday, 15 October 2010 01:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Navy assisted in the repatriation of 25Sri Lankan fishermen, who were released from Indian custody, on Wednesday (13).

The fishermen and 10 fishing boats were handed over to SLN officials by the Indian Coast Guard Ships, ICGS Sarang and ICGS Vishwast, at the Indo-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the seas north of Kankasanthurai. They were brought to the KKS Harbour on Wednesday evening by Sri Lanka Naval Ship “Ranawickrema” attached to the Northern Naval Command and provided with assistance by naval authorities to sail to their respective fisheries harbours.

The fishermen released are residents of Negombo, Dondra, Chilaw, Dickwella, Nilwella, Wennappuwa, Gandara and Hungama, and the fishing boats are Max-1, Ave Maria, Jaisusurithu-7, Ceylon-3, Dinesh-3 Dinesh-9, Yasiru Kalametiya, Luxari, Laksha Marine and Star City.

The early release of these fishermen and the fishing boats by Indian authorities comes as a direct result of speedy efforts made by the Sri Lankan Government, Ministry of Fisheries and the Sri Lanka Navy.