Caritas officials in Sri Lanka are continuing to deal with Indian authorities to release fishermen in Indian custody.

They are negotiating for the release of  six fishermen who left Kalpitiya parish in Chilaw diocese one year ago and who had strayed into Indian waters.

“We have sent all the details to the Indian side through the foreign ministry to take immediate action,” said Father Abraham Barnabas, director of Caritas Chilaw.

According to Caritas, there are hundreds of fishermen from both sides languishing in prisons in India and Sri Lanka on charges of illegally crossing into each others territorial waters.

“Since there is no visible demarcation line in the sea, fishermen from both the countries stray, especially during inclement weather,” said SP Anthonimuthu, coordinator of Caritas Sri Lanka.

“We have already spoken with authorities in Sri Lanka and India with regard to this matter. Now they have given us the opportunity to send our representative to handle this matter. This is a good sign,” said Anthonimuthu.

Related reports
Fishermen fight poaching by Indians
Priests join fishermen in ’sea plane’ protest

SR14314

Related reports