Sri Lanka to probe alleged attack on fishermen by Indian Navy

COLOMBO (News 1st): A discussion will be held with the Indian Government, with regard to the incident where a group of Sri Lankan fishermen was allegedly attacked by the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Fisheries said. The discussion will be held on friendly grounds and the alleged attack should be investigated prior to the discussion, Indu Rathnayake, the Secretary to the Fisheries Ministry told News 1st on Friday (Jun. 18). A committee will be appointed to look into the concerns of the fishermen and hold discussions constantly, she further added. The group of 13 fishermen aboard two large multi-day fishing vessels, who claimed to have been attacked by the Indian Navy in the high-seas while they were engaged in fishing activities, reached the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour on Thursday (Jun. 17). The group had set sail on the 07th of May. According to the group of fishermen, the Indian Navy had stopped them on the 04th of June at the International Maritime Boundary stating that they wanted to search the boats for drugs and attacked them with steel poles.