Sri Lanka to release all Indian fishermen

(Pic - ANI)

Fifty-nine Indian fisherman who did not receive the Thai Pongal pardon by the Sri Lankan authorities will be produced before the Mannar and Trincomalee Courts tomorrow (18) to facilitate their release.

Some 55 fishermen were released on January 15 to mark the Thai Pongal festival and 59 still remain in Sri Lankan custody.

Last Thursday, 45 fishermen were released by the Kayts Magistrate while another 10 were released by the Point Pedro Magistrate.

Indian fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody have all been arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) between November 8 and January 5.

Already a letter of recommendation has been issued by the Sri Lankan authorities to facilitate the release.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jeyaram Jayalalithaa has been continuously agitating and pressuring Delhi to demand the release of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody.