Sri Lanka Navy assisted in the repatriation of 30 Sri Lankan and 66 Indian fishermen on 23 rd December 2014. The Sri Lankan fishermen were taken over from the Indian Coast Guard Ship. The Sri Lankan fishermen were taken over from the Indian Coast Guard Ship .
The Sri Lankan fishermen were taken over from the Indian Coast Guard Ship “Vishwast” at the International Maritime Boundary Line off Kankasanthurai by Sri Lanka Naval Ship Ranagaja attached to the Northern Naval Command and Sri Lanka Coast Guard Vessel CG 42. Meanwhile, 66 Indian fishermen, who had been in Sri Lankan custody, were also handed over to ICGS “Vishwast” at the same location.
The release of fishermen reflects the friendly relations that exist between the two countries. SLN takes expeditious action for their repatriation in collaboration with the relevant officials on humanitarian grounds. It is done to enable released fishermen to resume their livelihoods with minimum delay. Indian fishermen are treated in a humane manner, ensuring their safety and comfort at all times. On numerous occasions, SLN has rendered assistance to Indian fishermen and their vessels in distress in Sri Lankan waters, providing food, medicine and technical assistance whenever needed.
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