The Government is to hold urgent discussions with Indian High Commission officials aimed at securing the immediate release of Sri Lankan fishermen being held in Chennai and other jails.“The Indian authorities should reciprocate Sri Lanka’s goodwill gesture in releasing thier fishermen,” Fisheries Ministry Secretary Damitha de Soysa told the Sunday Times. “Just this past week we released 23 Indian fishermen.”
“We have at all times responded positively when a request is made from New Delhi for the release of Indian fishermen caught poaching in our territorial waters, but sadly this is not the case on their side,” Dr. de Soysa said. “Colombo will maintain its earlier position that the future release of fishermen will be done purely on a reciprocal basis and not otherwise.”
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| The Navy rescues a crippled Indian fishing vessel off the coast of Delft Island
on Thursday |
Some 62 Sri Lankan fishermen, apprehended after allegedly drifting into Indian waters, are in Indian prisons, according to Dr. de Soysa. “Unlike in Sri Lanka, the laws in India are different and complex and entail long delays,” she said.
Meanwhile, angry local boat owners charged that little was being done to secure the release of the Lankan fishermen and their vessels.
Boat-owner Thilakapala Thenabadu of Devinuwara said his vessel and the five fishermen crew on it had been in Indian custody since September last year. Despite several appeals from Sri Lanka, the Indians continue to be silent on the matter, he said.
“Because of engine failure, my vessel had been drifting for 45 days before it was picked up by the Indian Coast Guard. The Chennai authorities have detained the vessel and the crew. “I went to India in January to secure the release of the vessel and the crew, but with no success,” Mr. Thenabadu said. “The Indian officers are lethargic and corrupt. They made me pay big bribes. In the end I was cheated. I returned home empty-handed.
“I am close to bankruptcy. I have sold my land and mortgaged my house. We release Indian fishermen whenever Delhi shouts. But when it comes to our fishermen, it’s a different story.” Mr. Thenabadu’s anger is shared by another boat owner, Nalaka Chaminda, of Tangalle. “My vessel and the five-member crew were seized by the Indians one year ago, and despite several trips to India, I have made no progress,” he said. “I have spent close on Rs. 400,000 in lawyers’ fees and bribes in Chennai, but nothing has happened. My vessel and the crew remain in Indian custody.”
Dinesh Fernando of the All-Ceylon Fisher Folk Trade Union said seven fishermen from Kalpitiya had been languishing in Indian jails for the past 18 months. He said up to one million rupees was required to pay lawyers’ fees and fines to secure their release.
“When Indians are caught in our waters, they are released free of charge, under pressure from their government. But Sri Lankans detained by Indians have to dole out large sums of money to be set free. This is not fair. This a serious matter that needs immediate attention and redress,” he said. |
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