Colombo to probe killing of Indian fisherman

Denying its involvement in the killing of an Indian fisherman in the waters of coastal Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka has told New Delhi that it will conduct an inquiry into the incident.

Colombo’s assurance came after India summoned Sri Lankan High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam here on Thursday to officially lodge protest over the killing allegedly
by the Lankan Navy the previous day.

Another fisherman was also wounded as the navy shot at them in the high seas.

India has asked Sri Lanka to adhere to the Oct 2008 understanding reached between the two nations.

It also wanted the Sri Lankan Navy to exercise maximum restraint and avoid use of force in such situations.

However, the Sri Lankan Navy denied having opened fire and said they were assisting the fishermen to return into Indian waters.

The firing reportedly occurred as the Lankans believed the fishermen were trespassing.

But it is not clear whether they were in Indian territorial waters or in Lanka’s.

Indian fishermen claimed that they were inside the territory at Jagadapattinnam near Pudukottai off Tamil Nadu coast.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has sought a detailed report from the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo, who has taken up the matter with the Sri Lankan government.