Sri Lankan authorities release 22 fishermen
Rameshwaram: At least 22 fishermen from Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, who were caught by the Sri Lankan Navy after straying into international waters, have been released and have reached Pampan through boats. On Saturday, the Sri Lankan Navy detained and interrogated two native boats, including 22 fishermen, for alleged fishing.
On Saturday night, a delegation of traditional fishermen met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and requested the release of these fishermen, who had strayed into international waters due to adverse climatic conditions. The Finance Minister spoke to the Foreign Secretary and the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, after which the fishermen were rescued.
As the fishermen returned to India, a delegation of fishermen expressed gratitude to Sitharaman for her intervention today. Sitharaman assured the families of the fishermen that the Narendra Modi-led government has always kept the interest of Tamils on top priority.
