The Sri Lanka Navy has denied Indian media reports that 12 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were attacked by its personnel.

Naval Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya stated that Indian fishermen make false allegations from time to time while a released statement added that the Indian fishermen have admitted that they were in Sri Lankan waters as close as Iranatheevu.

Full statement:

Sri Lanka Navy has denied certain Indian media reports that its personnel have attacked Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu.

Indian media reported that 12 fishermen were injured when they come under the latest alleged attack by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) while fishing in Lankan territorial waters.

Rejecting allegations Sri Lankan Naval spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya told media that Indian fishermen make false allegations from time to time.

The Indian fishermen have admitted that they have been in the Sri Lankan waters as close as Iranatheevu.

Indian officials reported that out of 664 boats set out to sea, 600 had ventured into several points within Lankan territorial waters, including Iranatheevu, Kundu and Thalaimannar.

Indian coast guard officials meanwhile have received a letter from the Sri Lankan Fishermen’s Association informing them that the Indian fishermen were fishing in Lankan waters and it has affected their livelihood.

The association has also complained that the Indian fishermen were using banned fishing nets, affecting marine ecology. They have asked the officials to take action against the fishermen who ventured into their territory.