Bogollagama requests India for the early release of Sri Lankan fishermen

(September 15, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama requested the Indian Government for the assistance in the early release of 51 Sri Lankan fishermen who are under the custody of the Andaman and Nicobar island authorities along with nine fishing vessels, during a meeting held with the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Alok Prasad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14th September 2009.

During the meeting Minister Bogollagama requested the Government of India to adopt a facilitating approach in matters of this nature where Sri Lankan fishermen get into difficulties. The Foreign Minister pointed out that the system adapted by the State Government of Tamil Nadu in dealing with arrested Sri Lankan fishermen is convenient and requested to explore possibilities of adopting a similar approach towards Sri Lankan fishermen arrested elsewhere in India, especially in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Foreign Minister, during the meeting, also expressed his appreciation for the services rendered by the Indian medical team which worked in the conflict areas in the north of Sri Lanka during the last phase of the humanitarian operations and recalled the various humanitarian assistance extended by India to Sri Lanka in the recent past.

Senior Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commission were associated with this meeting. -Sri Lanka Guardian