Oct 06, Colombo: A Sri Lankan fisheries trade union leader was shot dead at India's Madurai Central Prison. Canisius Fernando, the victim of the shooting is the Treasurer of the All Lanka Fisher Folk Trade Union.

The Secretary of the All Lanka Fisher Folk Trade Union M. Vijendra said that Fernando left for India with the knowledge of the Ministry of Fisheries on September 23 to look into the release of eight Sri Lankan fishermen who are in Indian custody under the charges of poaching.

Vijendra said that Indian High Commission has informed the union that Fernando had been killed around 3.15 Indian time yesterday and was pronounced dead when admitted to Rajaji government hospital. He was shot dead by a prison guard on suspicion. He is believed to have gone to the Madurai Central Prison to visit four Sri Lankan fishermen who were jailed there.

Forty five years old Canisius Fernando, a fisherman by profession, leaves behind a 18 years old daughter and a 11 years old son.