Navy assists in repatriation of Lankan fishermen

Sri Lanka Navy assisted in the repatriation of 16 Sri Lankan fishermen, who were released from Indian custody, on Friday.

The fishermen and three fishing boats were handed over to Navy officials by the Indian Coast Guard Ship, ICGS Habbah Khatun, at the Indo-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the seas north of Kankesanthurai. They were brought to the KKS harbour in the evening by Sri Lanka Naval ship “Ranarisi” attached to the Northern Naval Command. Sri Lanka Coast Guard Vessel CG 40 too assisted the mission.

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. (SLN)