Our Navy did not shoot Indian fishermen, says Sri Lanka

The denial comes after eyewitnesses claiming that the lankan navy indeed fired upon the fishermen.

Hours after India raised the matter of Sri Lankan navy opening fire on India fishermen killing one, Sri Lanka denied any involvement of its navy in the incident. Even as protests continued in Rameswaram over the death of a 21-year-old fisherman due to firing by the Lankan forces, the country chose to deny its navy's involvement in it.

[Indian fisherman killed: Lanka promises probe]

In a press note on its ministry of foreign affairs website, Sri Lanka claimed that its navy was not involved in the alleged incident. "Initial investigations indicate that the Sri Lanka Navy is not involved in this alleged incident. Irrespective of the parties involved, if in fact, a shooting has taken place, it is a matter of grave concern, and all possible action will be taken, in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities, to investigate into this incident, utilising GPS technology as well," the statement said.

The note also indulged in lip service by stating that the government of Sri Lanka was deeply concerned about the alleged shooting on Indian fishermen and the connected loss of life of one fisherman and injury caused to another. Even as eyewitnesses claimed that the Sri Lankan navy opened fire, the Sri Lankan government website vehemently opposed the same.

"The safety of fishermen is of utmost importance and the government of Sri Lanka is firm in its commitment to ensuring that all government agencies treat all Indian fishermen in a humane manner at all times," the statement also said.

OneIndia News