Sri Lanka arrests 23 Indian fishermen for poaching

Sri Lanka said on Sunday it had detained 23 Indian fishermen who were arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The fishermen were arrested by the navy in the seas off the northern town of Mannar and were handed over to the police.

The police said the navy handed over the fishermen and three boats to them in Mannar.

The Indian fishermen are between ages of 15 and 56, the police said. They were to be produced before a magistrate on Sunday.

The navy assisted last week Sri Lanka Coast Guard in arresting 29 Indian fishermen who were poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

Indian fishermen continue to poach in Sri Lankan waters despite facing arrest as there is a better catch in Sri Lankan waters than Indian waters.

Both Sri Lanka and India are looking at ways to address the fishermen arrest issue. Endit