The Sri Lankan government on Tuesday said it was negotiating the release of nine sailors who are currently detained aboard a vessel anchored in Yemen.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament the Sri Lankans, who had been working for an Indian company, had been detained nearly two months ago over a dispute with another company.

He said that there was no ransom demand to release the sailors, who are now aboard a Greek vessel Fair Appollon,'which is anchored at the Port of Hodeidah in Yemen, Xinhua reported.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also said that Sri Lanka has sought Indian assistance in rescuing the Sri Lankan citizens, who are among 26 sailors detained.