Chennai: Lanka, TN govt release fishermens' boats

Chennai, Jan 23: As part of mutual agreement between India and Sri Lanka ahead of next week meeting of fishermen's associations from both countries, Colombo has released 30 mechanised boats of Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu Government said on Wednesday.

This includes a local court there on Wednesday ordering the release of 15 such boats held by Lankan authorities, an official release here said.

"Similarly, Tamil Nadu government has ordered release of 11 boats of Sri Lankan fishermen today," it said. As of Wednesday, days after India and Sri Lanka initiated steps for mutual release of fishermen arrested by both countries for allegedly crossing the international maritime boundary, Sri Lankan courts have ordered release of 30 boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen while the state government has freed 18 fishing boats belonging to Lankans, it added.

A total of 233 Indian and 130 Lankan fishermen have been released by Sri Lankan and Tamil Nadu governments, respectively, it said. Fishermen associations from both countries are scheduled to meet here on January 27 to discuss the vexed issue of fishing rights in the Palk Strait.

PTI