Navy denies attack on Indian fishermen
Ridma Dissanayake
The Sri Lanka Navy categorically denies the allegation that Sri Lanka
Naval personnel attacked Indian fishermen fishing in the seas off the
Kachchative Island on Saturday, as quoted by The Hindu yesterday, Sri
Lanka Navy Media Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasooriya said.
The Sri Lanka Navy has expressed its concern over the false
allegations made repeatedly accusing the Sri Lanka Navy of harassing
Indian fishermen.
"No credible proof has been provided regarding any Sri Lanka Navy
involvement on any occasion. However, on numerous occasions, the Sri
Lanka Navy has come to the rescue of Indian fishermen in distress and
provided them with assistance using their own personnel and vessels, he
said.
The Navy rescued nine fishermen onboard two trawlers on January 22.
The trawlers had developed mechanical problems and had been drifting in
the seas north of Mannar.
The two trawlers were towed to the Thalaimannar Naval Base and are
being repaired by the Navy, prior to repatriation. "The Sri Lanka Navy
briefed the Indian authorities on the measures taken to humanely treat
Indian fishermen found in Sri Lankan waters, at the fourth International
Maritime Boundary Line meeting held in Colombo recently, Commader
Warnakulasooriya said. Naval ships and craft display their pennant
numbers.
Any incident reported with regard to harassment should be made with
date, time, location and pennant number of the craft or ship, he said.
"The Sri Lanka Navy, being a responsible and professional naval force
honours international maritime law and provides humanitarian assistance
to any seafarer in distress out at sea, he said. |
