Five Sri Lankan fishermen who were detained in India and Bangladesh for entering their territorial waters finally arrived home after four months.
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| Greeting the returning fishermen |
‘Dushan Putha’ back
in harbour |
A.K.Niranjan (22), A.H. Ravindu (35), H.W.Prageeth (25), Manoj Sanjeewa (32) and Chamila Pushpakumara (28) left from Devinuwara for Trincomalee on April 5 this year.
While fishing in the deep seas their trawler ‘Dushan Putha’ was swept away into Indian territorial waters and was intercepted by Indian Navy vessels. The fishermen were detained in India for more than two months and later released along with nine other boats consisting of 38 fishermen.
Unfortunately their trawler lost its way and drifted for 22 days in the ocean with no food and water for the men. The trawler finally entered the territorial waters of Bangladesh and was detained for several days. Bangladesh officials had made arrangements for the fishermen to return to the country.
Yesterday the fishermen landed at Puranawella fishery harbour in Devinuwara and were greeted by their loved ones. |
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