Navy brings released Sri Lankan Fishermen safely home

Sri Lanka Navy brought twenty-two (22) Sri Lankan fishermen safely home after their release from Indian custody yesterday (24th February 2010).

The fishermen and four (04) fishing vessels were handed over to SLN officials by the Indian Coast Guard Ship "Kittur Chenamma" at the Indo-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the seas north of Kankasanthurei. They were brought to the KKS Harbour yesterday evening by Sri Lanka Naval Ship "Wickrama 2" and were provided with food and required assistance by Naval authorities.

The early release of these fishermen by Indian authorities comes as a direct result of speedy efforts taken by the Sri Lanka Government, Ministry of Fisheries and Sri Lanka Navy.

The fishermen are residents of Moratuwa, Kudawella, Kottegoda and Trincomalee. Arrangements were made for them to return back to their respective areas and reunite with their loved ones.