A total of 89 fishermen, seventy seven (77) Indians and twelve (12) Sri Lankans who were held in custody in respective countries for violation of International Maritime Boundary Line and engaged in illegal fishing practices, were released from custody and repatriated to their counties yesterday (14).

Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Navy assisted in the repatriation of fishermen, in the International Maritime Boundary Line North of Kankesanthurai. The Sri Lanka Navy ship Prathapa, Sri Lanka Coast Guard Craft ‘CG 47’ and Indian Coast Guard Ships ‘Rani Durgawathi’ and ‘Abheek’ were deployed for the repatriation mission.

The Sri Lankan fishermen who were released from custody were brought to SLNS Uththara in Kankasanthurai. They were handed over to the Inspectorate of Fisheries in Kankasanthurai for onward action.