Encroaching Indian fishing vessels clash with Lankan boats in N 'Sea of Sri Lanka'.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Mid-sea incident involving two Indian Trawlers that entered The Northern Sea of Sri Lanka, took place on Monday (31) night.

The trawlers, that had illegally entered into Lankan waters, were reportedly surrounded by Sri Lankan fishing boats until the Navy arrived. Both trawlers were then escorted to KKS.

The Sri Lankan fishermen had detained 21 Indian fishermen and 2 trawlers and handed them over to the Sri Lanka Navy.

Reports say that the Fishing community did not allow Minister Douglas Devananda to intervene last night, and protested against any attempt to have the trawlers released.

Two bodies of Sri Lankan fishermen lost at sea in a separate incident, were recovered yesterday with families pointing responsibility at Indian fishing vessels.

Encroachment by Indian fishing vessels into Sri Lankan Northern territorial waters has reached fever-pitch with daily incursions being recorded.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission stated that officials of the Consulate General of India at Jaffna have met the 21 Indian Fishermen and provided them with consular assistance. 

Accordingly, the Indian High Commission has provided them with immediate relief materials, phone calls with relatives and other forms of assistance.