The Sri Lankan government today refuted media reports claiming that a decision has been taken to release the Indian fishing boats currently in custody, for violating the maritime boundary line.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development Mahinda Amaraweera stated that so far the ministry has taken no decision with regard to the release of the vessels.
He stated that Indian fishing boats which have ventured into Sri Lankan waters have been taken into custody by the government since 2015 and that presently there are close to 130 Indian boats in custody.
Amaraweera stated that despite politicians in Tamil Nadu constantly pressuring the central government in India to secure the release of these boats, the Sri Lankan government has taken no such decision to release them.
He stated that the impounding of fishing boats straying into Sri Lankan waters will continue to be carried out.
