The government on Tuesday said that initial investigations show that the navy is not involved in the alleged shooting of an Indian fisherman.

“The safety of fishermen is of utmost importance and the Government of Sri Lanka is firm in its commitment to ensuring that all Government agencies treat all Indian fishermen in a humane manner at all times,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

“If a shooting has taken place it is a matter of grave concern and all possible action will be taken in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities to investigate into this incident, utilizing GPS technology as well,” the statement reads.

The Navy has also categorically denied certain media reports and unsubstantiated allegations of firing by small boats of Sri Lanka Navy at Indian fishermen.

It is stated that the Sri Lankan Navy patrols in the Northern waters are conducted by Fast Attack Craft and Fast Gun Boats and at no time are small boats being engaged for patrols off the Northern waters, since Indian trawlers are of quite large size. 

“Even these boats are not authorized to open fire at any point without prior approval of the Commander of the Navy. 

The patrolling boats are clearly instructed to arrest fishermen poaching inside Sri Lankan territorial waters and are subsequently handed over to the Fisheries authorities for onward legal action.   At present there are 146 Indian trawlers and 85 fishermen arrested for poaching in the Sri Lankan waters, awaiting legal action,” Navy said in a statement.

“Sri Lankan Navy reiterates that there has been no such firing as reported by certain media and press.

However, since there is an allegation of a shooting incident, Sri Lanka Navy is carrying out a comprehensive investigation to find out the veracity of this alleged incident,” the statement added.