Fisheries Minister assures freedom for all Lankans in Indian custody

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda says that steps will be taken to release all Lankans in Indian custody as soon as possible.

Participating in a discussion held with a group of relatives of 69 people who were arrested by the Indian Navy while attempting to illegally immigrate overseas, the Minister said that diplomatic relations will be utilized to free the Lankans in Indian custody as soon as possible.

In the meeting held at the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, the relatives of arrestees stated that their relatives tried to travel abroad due to the inability to continue their jobs amidst the current economic crisis.

The arrested suspects are currently detained at Bangalore jail.

The Minister added that although he does not approve of trying to go to another country in an illegal manner, steps will be to free the respective youths via diplomacy.