Fate of Chinese nationals unknown

7 August 2012 12:26 pm

The fate of the 37 Chinese nationals taken into the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy remains unclear, but two Sri Lankans arrested along with the Chinese men, were ordered to be released on bail by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court

The Magistrate also ordered the Chinese nationals to be handed over the Potuvil Police for further investigations.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana told the Daily Mirror that the Chinese nationals had not been handed over to the police as yet.
The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka today said it was keeping a close communication with Sri Lankan authorities regarding the recent arrest of the 37 Chinese fishermen.

“The embassy is keeping a close communication with the relevant authorities and we hope this matter will be handled appropriately in accordance with the law,” a spokesman for the embassy told the Daily Mirror.

The 37 Chinese nationals and two Sri Lankan nationals were aboard two fishing trawlers when they were spotted off the coast of Batticaloa on Sunday night.