His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka has today ordered the release of 99 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and 17 fishing trawlers apprehended by Sri Lanka Navy in an area which comes under the purview of the High Security Zone off Point Pedro on November 02, 2007 for intrusion and unauthorised fishing in Sri Lankan waters.  It should be noted that fishing in this area is prohibited even for Sri Lankan fishermen.

The release has been ordered following the request made to the Government of Sri Lanka by Central and State Government authorities and Tamil Nadu fishermen associations, considering the long and friendly relations enjoyed by Sri Lanka and India. Arrangements are now being made for the early repatriation of the fishermen with their boats in view of the forthcoming Deepawali festival.

Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission
Chennai

November 4, 2007