Police Launch Probe Into Alleged Attack on Sri Lankan Fishermen in International Waters

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police have launched an investigation, on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police, into allegations that local fishermen were assaulted by an unidentified group in international waters.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage said the inquiry is being conducted with the support of the Sri Lanka Navy, and that a report will be submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries.

Two fishermen who claimed they were attacked in the International Waters, were admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo on February 4. The Navy said they were rescued at sea in the southern waters and brought to Colombo Port.

The victims were crew members of the multi-day fishing vessel Sandun Putha 04, which had departed from the Dikkowita harbour.

In a separate incident earlier, fishermen from the vessel Dinithi Duwa 01 who were also reportedly assaulted were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has denied any involvement in the attacks, stating that neither the Indian Coast Guard nor the Indian Navy carried out any attack on Sri Lankan fishermen.