TN-LANKA-BOATS

As many as nine out of 45 boats belonging to Tamil Nadu fishermen that were under the

custody of the Sri Lankan government for the past few years, were brought here Sunday.

"... 9 boats released in the first batch have reached Rameswaram.. they were towed by 9 boats..," Benitto, one of

the boat owners said. The nine boats were part of 45 vessels that were

identified by a nine-member team comprising officials and fishermen from the state, which had gone to the island nation

for repatriating the boats. The Sri Lankan government had ordered the release of the

boats recently. The team led by Fisheries Additional Director, Varghese

is camping in Jaffna. A local fishermen association leader Anandanbavu said,

"several vital parts in the boats were removed.. it would cost Rs 5 to 6 lakh for restoration."

He urged the central and the state governments to offer financial assistance to the fishermen.