Pirates release Lankan fishermen

4 February 2011 08:41 am

Three Sri Lankan fishermen, who were captured by the Somalia pirates last week, were released last night, an official confirmed today.

“These fishermen had informed us on Thursday night through radio communication that they were freed by the pirates,” officer in-charge of the Kapparathota Fisheries Community Centre Aruna Jayaweera told the Daily Mirror.

He said that five fishermen, who had gone for fishing from Mirissa last month and while engaging in fishing in the international waters, were captured by the Sompali pirates. Two of the fishermen were shot and killed by the pirates on January 27, he said.

Mr. Jayaweera said that it will take more than 15 days to return these fishermen to Sri Lanka. (Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)