Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard assisted in the repatriation of 28 fishermen, which included 25 Sri Lankans and 03 Indians, on 26th February 2012.
The exchange took place in the seas off Kankasanthurei. The Indian fishermen and their boat were handed over to the Indian officials and the Sri Lankan fishermen and 05 boats were taken over by the SLN and SLCG officials. Indian Coast Guard Ship Gangadevi and SLN vessel P 497 and SLCG vessel CG 41 assisted the mission.
The speedy repatriation comes as a direct result of the collaborative efforts made by the Sri Lankan and Indian officials to assist the livelihoods of the fishermen and the welfare of their dependents.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 27, 2012; Image: navy