President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a goodwill gesture today ordered the release of all 78 Indian fishermen arrested on Saturday for encroaching Sri Lankan territorial waters.

In a message on twitter the President said he welcomed India’s release of 13 Sri Lankan fishermen today.

“On the occasion of the 1st joint sitting of Indian Parliament, I have instructed officials to release the 78 Indian fishermen in SL custody and I look forward to the release of all remaining Sri Lankan fishermen in Indian custody at the earliest,” the President tweeted. (Chaturanga Pradeep)