Sri Lankan Fishermen Accuse Indian Coast Guards of Assault

Sri Lanka's Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekeran alleged that Indian coast guards assaulted Sri Lankan fishermen within their own waters. The incident involved three trawlers and 12 fishermen, with several injuries reported. The Sri Lankan Navy was deployed to assist the injured. Diplomatic communication has been made with India.

Sri Lanka's Fisheries Minister, Ramalingam Chandrasekeran, has accused the Indian coast guards of assaulting Sri Lankan fishermen in their territorial waters. The minister addressed the media on Monday, confirming that the Indian High Commission had been notified of the incident.

The incident reportedly occurred on January 29, when three trawlers with a total of 12 fishermen ventured from the Wellamankaraya fishing harbour at Wennappuva on the northwestern coast. The fishermen were allegedly attacked within Sri Lanka's maritime boundary.

In response, the Sri Lankan Navy deployed vessels to bring back several injured fishermen. Four of them required immediate assistance, and six more needed evacuation. An official from the fishermen's association, Tyronne Mendis, clarified that two of the trawlers targeted were within Sri Lankan waters when the attack occurred.

(With inputs from agencies.)