The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has issued a statement regarding the arrest of 54 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy in Sri Lankan waters yesterday (24).
It calls for dealing with the Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lankan waters in a humanitarian manner.
The full announcement follows:
High Commission has been informed about the apprehension of 54 fishermen and five boats from India by Sri Lanka Navy on the night of 24 March 2021. We reiterate that issues associated with Indian fishermen are to be dealt in a humanitarian manner.
Providing immediate consular access and emergency supplies to apprehended fishermen are of prime importance. We are working with Government of Sri Lanka for expeditiously securing consular access for these fishermen.
Bilateral mechanisms are in place to comprehensively address all matters related to fisheries. It may be recalled that the Fourth meeting of the Secretary-level JWG was held on 30 December 2020 through virtual mode. Follow-up measures on the basis of discussions which took place during the meeting need to be taken forward quickly.