Navy sailor’s death Sri Lanka registers protest but tones it down

• 10 Indian fishermen to be charged
• The sailor died while trying to seize the fishing boat

By Kelum Bandara

Sri Lanka registered its concerns with India on the death of a navy sailor in his attempt to seize an Indian fishing boat poaching in Sri Lankan waters, an informed source said.

The ten Indian fishermen, arrested for allegedly engaged in illegal fishing in the Sri Lankan waters on Monday, will be charged with the death of a Navy sailor, who was killed in an operation to seize their trawler, authorities here said. A senior sailor from the Navy Special Boat Squadron sustained critical injuries due to “the aggressive manoeuvres of the Indian trawler, resisting its seizure,” according to the Navy.

Sri Lanka registered its protest with India but at a lower level. An informed source said the Director General - South Asia of the Foreign Ministry Niluka Kadurugamuwa summoned a third-ranking official of the Indian High Commission and expressed concerns.

Otherwise, the Head of Mission is summoned by the Foreign Minister when registering a protest on any issue.