India and Sri Lanka have reached an understanding to release fishermen and boats in custody of each other as a goodwill gesture prior to the next round of meeting between Fishermen's Association of the two countries.
The External Affairs Ministry said the government attaches the "highest importance" to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen and has worked assiduously to secure the release of Indian fishermen who are apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities.
"As a goodwill measure prior to the next round of Fishermen's Association discussions, an understanding has been reached between the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka to release fishermen and boats in custody. The process of release has already commenced on both sides from March 12," the Ministry said.
Keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood dimensions of the fishermen's issue, government had reached an understanding though a Joint Statement with the Government of Sri Lanka on October 26, 2008, to put in place practical arrangements to deal with bona fide Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Further, in the last meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries in January 2012, both sides had agreed to hold a meeting of Fishermen's Associations.
Accordingly, one round of discussions was held at Chennai on January 27 at which Fishermen's Associations from both India and Sri Lanka had participated.
"Preparations are on-going for the next round of talks to be held in Colombo shortly," the MEA said.
A Sri Lankan court had yesterday ordered the release of 42 Indian fishermen arrested for allegedly poaching in Lankan waters.
