Mar 30, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), in a statement released by the Media Centre for National Security today denied the allegations of killing four Indian fishermen yesterday in Sri Lankan waters.

“The naval headquarters categorically state that the fleet units of Sri Lanka Navy do not fire at fishermen and instructions have been issued to those units to adhere into the Standing Operational Procedures when dealing with fishermen,” the release said.

Indian media quoting officials said that six Indians were allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters when the SLN personnel opened fire at them killing two on the spot, while another two drowned in the sea. The Lankan navy opened fire without giving any warning, officials claimed.

SLN release said that Indian sources now confirm that the firing was done by another fishing trawler and the incident occurred well within Indian waters.

“The Sri Lanka Navy renders assistance whenever Indian fishermen are in distress in the Sri Lankan waters in liaison with the Indian Coast Guard,” the statement further said.