Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development stated that the detained Indian fishermen will be released soon.

Ministry has recommended to the Attorney General department to release 20 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody at present.

The fishing vessels of the Indian fishermen will also be returned upon their release.

Minister Amaraweera said that the Indian Government has already submitted a request for the release of the fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. "Once the recommendations reach the Attorney General, he will inform the court that there is no objection," the Minister added.

Minister added that the Indian Fisheries Minister is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on January 2 for ministerial level talks on fishermen issue.

"So this is essentially a sign of goodwill. Very quickly the fishermen will be released," he said.