Indian fishermen fined

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

A group of 12 Indian poachers in Sri Lankan waters who pleaded guilty were fined Rs.185 million and and ten others remanded till September 10 by Puttalam magistrate Ayoma Wimalaratne.

They had been arrested by the Coast Protection Force during a raid in the sea off Kudiramalai on August 06 and handed over to the Puttalam District Fisheries Department office through the Navy

The accused were South Indian fishermen between 20 and 25 years of age.

Asst. Director of Fisheries , Puttalam District had filed action against them on the charge of encroaching Sri Lankan sea limits and poaching.

The skipper of the multiday craft was fined Rs.20 million and others Rs.15 million each and sentenced to six month imprisonment in default of the fine.

Fisheries officers Krishan Thiwanka and Tharaka Nadeeshan made submissions for the state.

Attorney at Law Fariz Marikkar appeared for the suspects.