For the first time in the ongoing maritime boundary dispute with India five Sri Lankan fishermen have been apprehended in Gujarat yesterday.

Another five fishermen have been apprehended in the Andra Pradesh where fishermen have been frequently taken into custody. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic resources Dr. Damitha De Zoysa said that the fishermen will have to follow the relevant procedure before they are released.

“This is the first time fishermen have been caught in Gujarat, therefore, they will have to follow the procedure set out. However we have came to an understanding in the Joint Working group meeting during the 13th and 14th of January in Colombo and we are looking at releasing the 10 fishermen as fast as possible” she said. (Hafeel Farisz)