Sri Lanka To Release 86 Indian Fishermen Ahead Of Modi’s 2-Day Visit

12 March, Colombo

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has decided to release 86 Indian fishermen, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka. A senior Sri Lankan official said, the formal orders of the release will be issued by the office of Attorney General today.

It is learnt that President Maithripala, who is currently in London, issued the instructions to his officials last evening. Sri Lanka navy had arrested the 86 Indian fishermen on allegations of poaching in Sri Lankan waters last month.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow- Friday from Mauritius.

Meanwhile, fishermen in Tamil Nadu have welcomed the news about the release of 86 fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan jails. They expect a smooth solution to the problem.

The Tamil fishermen want a lasting solution to the problem and want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue when he visits Sri Lanka tomorrow. The fishermen urge the government to take steps for the release of their fishing boats and make arrangements to bring back the fishing boats released by Sri Lankan courts.