Unorthodox options adopted to release fishermen
Fisheries Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna
Q: What has the Government done to secure the release of Sri
Lankan fishermen held hostage by Somali Pirates?
A: The government had to rely on unorthodox options to secure
the release of fishermen, since the pirates were not responding to
diplomatic persuasion. In January last year the Somali pirates had
killed two Lankan fishermen while taking another three hostage after
their vessel had been adrift in the Indian Ocean. Those fishermen were
rescued through a Somali intermediary and this time too the same
procedure would be followed. Discussions are being held through an
intermediary for the release of fishermen and their vessel.
|