July 04, Colombo: Sri Lankan government today denied that its Navy had detained and harassed Indian fishermen aboard fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The Foreign Ministry issuing statement today said at no point the fishermen were ill-treated by the Navy personnel or subjected to any humiliation as alleged in certain media reports.

“In this regard, the Foreign Ministry wishes to state that the Sri Lanka Navy shore based radars at Talaimannar and Delft island detected approximately 300 Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters close to Talaimannar and Delft island, heading towards the uncleared area of Vedithalthivu around 11.30 hours on 02 July 2008. Following the receipt of credible information that the LTTE was attempting to the use the presence of the trawlers for terrorist activities, Sri Lanka Navy boats rushed to the area and checked 289 trawlers and after conducting inquiries, permitted the trawlers to leave with the crew back into the Indian waters,” it said.

Recalling that Sri Lanka Navy had assisted Tamil Nadu fishermen in distress several times the Foreign Ministry said it is the consistent policy of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy to treat fishermen apprehended in Sri Lankan waters in a humanitarian manner.

Indian media reports said the fishermen and the boats were released after the Indian High Commission intervened in the dispute.