Navy denies allegations

The Sri Lanka Navy denied allegations that sailors prevented about 2,000 Indian fishermen from fishing in the seas near the Kachchathivu Island and looted their catch, as quoted by Indian media today.

Navy spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said that the navy adheres to international maritime laws and carries out surveillance and patrolling accordingly in the defence of Sri Lankan waters.

“The Sri Lanka Navy expresses deep concerns over the biased allegations which have arisen from time to time of the harassment of Indian fishermen. None of these have, however, been able to provide credible proof regarding the involvement of the Sri Lanka Navy” he said.

According to the navy most of these accusations are based on ill intentions aimed at straining the good relations between the two friendly neighbouring countries Sri Lanka and India.

“On numerous occasions, the navy has come to the rescue of Indian fishermen in distress on humanitarian grounds and provided them with assistance using its vessels and personnel despite the commitment of a large number of resources and heavy expenses incurred by the Navy in the process,” he added.

The Navy has helped Indian boats in distress in the Lankan waters, on more than 10 occasions saving lives of many fishermen, this year alone.

“A number of Indian fishermen expressed their gratitude for the provision of swift assistance and the hospitality extended by our navy providing them with food and accommodation as well as technical and salvaging assistance while they are in trouble in Sri Lankan water,” Commander Warnakulasuriya said. (Supun Dias)