Sri Lankan fishermen who were released by the Indian authorities will return to Sri Lanka soon, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said. He said 31 Lankan fishermen and their fishing boats were taken into custody by India for poaching and they have been released with the intervention of the Ministry. According to Minister Senaratne, 56 Lankan fishermen are still in Indian custody, including 39 in Andra Predesh, 11 in Kerala and six in Andaman Islands. Twelve boats belong to these fishermen are also in their custody.
The Sri Lankan High Commission in India is in touch with the Indian authorities and having discussions to secure the release of the remaining fishermen.