Sri Lanka Seeks Consular Access For Fishermen Held In Seychelles

COLOMBO(News 1st); The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says its attention has been drawn to the official statement issued by the Seychelles Defence Force regarding the arrest of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel in Seychelles waters.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra said the Sri Lankan High Commission in Seychelles is taking necessary steps with the Seychelles authorities in this regard.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that action is being taken to provide all necessary consular assistance to the Sri Lankans involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan fishermen arrested by the Seychelles Defence Force are currently in the custody of the Seychelles Police.

A statement issued by the Seychelles Defence Force Public Affairs Office said that legal authorities are taking steps to file a case against them under the Seychelles Fisheries Act.

The multi-day fishing vessel Ishani Duwa departed from the Wennappuwa Fisheries Harbour with six fishermen on board on December 7.

The vessel was seized by Seychelles security forces, and it was later burned and destroyed on the 30th.

Foreign reports state that Seychelles authorities follow a strict policy of burning and destroying vessels that illegally enter the country’s territorial waters.

These reports say the policy is implemented as a warning to other illegal fishermen.

The Ministry of Fisheries says diplomatic-level discussions are underway to bring back the Sri Lankan fishermen arrested in Seychelles waters.