Sri Lanka yesterday asked its fishermen not to violate the International Maritime Boundary Line and stray into Indian waters.
Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the directive follows detention of some 87 Lankan fishermen and 16 boats by Indian authorities.
Senaratne said his ministry and the country’s mission in Chennai were working with the Indian authorities to secure their release.
At least 2 boats with 12 fishermen were being held in Andhra Pradesh while 75 men and their 14 boats were being detained in Tamil Nadu, he added.
Violations of the maritime boundary by fishermen of both Sri Lanka and India have figured at top level contacts between the two countries, the minister said. Arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy often trigger vociferous opposition in Tamil Nadu.
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