AMN
Sri Lankan government has said, it will release Indian fishermen in its custody before the ministerial-level talks between the two countries on the issue next month. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera said this is essentially a sign of goodwill before visit of Agriculture Minister of India for talks scheduled in Colombo on 2nd January. Another official level meeting of Joint working group between the two countries is scheduled in New Delhi on 31st of this month.
Currently, 51 fishermen, mostly from Tamil Nadu are in custody of Sri Lanka. Among them, 36 were apprehended last week on charges of poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The Sri Lankan minister said that the process of releasing the fishermen is in various stages but added that fishing vessels captured will not be returned.