The Indian authorities have taken steps to hand over 35 Lankan fishermen along with seven trawlers this week, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said.

These fishermen were under Indian custody and their fishing trawlers when they crossed into the Economic Zone during the months of April and May.

Altogether 41 fishermen were arrested with eight trawlers. They were produced before a court in Andrah Pradesh and each of them were fined Rs.50,000.

The owners of the trawlers were taken to India under the sponsorship of the Ministry. However one owner of a trawler had appealed against the judgment.

“He will not come with this batch,” a spokesperson for the Ministry said. According to the Ministry there are 86 Lankan fishermen and 17 trawlers including this batch in Indian custody. Steps have already been taken to release the rest of the fishermen with their trawlers.

Miniser Rajitha Senaratne has stressed out and advised the local fishermen to be aware of the situation and not to enter the exclusive Economic Zones. (Supun Dias)