25 March 2021 02:43 pm
Responding to the apprehension of 54 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters today, the Indian High Commission has reiterated that issues associated with Indian fishermen should be dealt in a humanitarian manner.
A Spokesman for the High Commission said it had been informed about the apprehension of the 54 fishermen and five boats from India by Sri Lanka Navy on Wednesday night.
“We reiterate that issues associated with Indian fishermen are to be dealt in a humanitarian manner. Providing immediate consular access and emergency supplies to apprehended fishermen are of prime importance. We are working with the Government of Sri Lanka for expeditiously securing consular access for these fishermen," a spokesman said.
"Bilateral mechanisms are in place to comprehensively address all matters related to fisheries. It may be recalled that the Fourth meeting of the Secretary-level JWG was held on 30 December 2020 through virtual mode. Follow-up measures on the basis of discussions which took place during the meeting need to be taken forward quickly,” the Spokesman added.(Kelum Bandara)