: Sunday, 06 April 2025 12:53 PM
Colombo. Sri Lanka took an important step and released 14 Indian fishermen during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on Sunday.
Before the release, there was a detailed discussion between Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Saturday, in which the arrest of fishermen was held.
Prime Minister Modi said at a joint press conference during his comment, “We discussed fishermen issues. We agreed that we have to move forward with a human view in this matter. We insisted on the immediate release of fishermen and the return of their boats.”
The arrest of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu has been a matter of stress mainly by Sri Lankan officials.
Since the beginning of 2025, 119 Indian fishermen and 16 fishing boats have been allegedly caught by Sri Lankan forces, which has increased anxiety in coastal communities and has repeatedly appealed for intervention.
Addressing a press conference after the talks, Foreign Secretary Vikram Egypt said, “We have been told that Sri Lankan officials have decided to release 11 fishermen immediately and may be released some more fishermen in the coming days.”
Egyptian said, “This was a matter on which there was a lot of detail between the two sides. As the Prime Minister himself said during his speech. The need to adopt human and creative approach to cooperation on these issues was emphasized as these are issues that eventually affect the livelihood of fishermen from both sides.”
14 Indian fishermen released during PM Modi’s visit between several important diplomatic and developmental programs, including India-backed railway projects such as upgraded Maho-Amthai railway track and a joint opening of the newly constructed signaling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura section.
Prime Minister Modi was also awarded the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Award, which is one of the highest civilian honors of the island nation.
This honor not only reflects the strong support given by India to Sri Lanka, but also reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations.
On Saturday, the two leaders signed and exchanged several MoUs (MoUs) in various fields including infrastructure, energy and development cooperation.
On Saturday evening, President Disinayake organized a state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honor of Prime Minister Modi.
Warm welcome, the Sri Lankan President said that this journey would expand the opportunities of cooperation and deepen the friendship between the people of the two countries.
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