91 SL fishermen released

3 February 2011 07:23 am

Ninety one Sri Lankan fishermen who were in the custody of Indian authorities had been released along with 17 of their fishing crafts on Wednesday, two days after Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao’s visit to Sri Lanka   to discuss the issue of fishermen between the two countries, officials said today.

These fishermen were taken into custody by the Indian coast guard authorities both this year and last year for the alleged encroachment of Indian waters for fishing. However, there are nine other fishermen and four vessels yet to be released.

The names of some of the released vessels are Indunil 5, Praboda Putha, Thanoj Putha, Sathsarana, Nikini, Janahitha, Sesmi, Kali 2 and Kelum Putha, Prasanna Putha, Lahiru 1, Nipun Putha 2, Kavisha 2 and La-ahiri 1.

The Fisheries Ministry said that steps would be taken to bring all these persons to the country once clearance was given by the External Affairs Ministry of India.