High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

Sri Lanka Navy categorically denies the allegations that Sri Lanka Naval personnel prevented about two thousand Indian fishermen from fishing in the seas near Kachchative Island and looted their catch, as quoted by PTI yesterday. Being a responsible Naval force, Sri Lanka Navy adheres to international maritime laws and carries out surveillance and patrolling accordingly in the defence of Sri Lankan waters.

Sri Lanka Navy expresses deep concerns over the malicious allegations raised time to time accusing it of harassing Indian fishermen. None of these has, however, been able to provide credible proof regarding Sri Lanka Navy involvement. Most have been found to be mere hearsay and accusations based on ill intentions aimed at straining the good relations between the two friendly neighbouring countries Sri Lanka and India.

On numerous occasions, Sri Lanka Navy has come to the rescue of Indian fishermen in distress on humanitarian grounds and provided them with assistance using its vessels and personnel despite the commitment of large number of resources and heavy expenses incurred by the Navy in the process. Sri Lanka Navy has helped Indian boats in distress in the Sri Lankan waters, on more than 10 occasions saving lives of many fishermen, in 2011 alone.

Grateful Indian fishermen have expressed their gratitude for the provision of swift assistance and the hospitality extended by the Sri Lanka Navy providing them with food and accommodation as well as technical and salvaging assistance while they are in trouble in Sri Lankan waters.

Sri Lanka Navy, being a responsible naval force honouring the international maritime laws, provides humanitarian assistance to local and foreign fishermen in distress. It will continue its humanitarian operations in future and make available its expertise in rescuing and providing protection to sea farers when they are in difficulty in Sri Lankan waters.