Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Ramamohana Rao has requested External Affairs Ministry to take steps for the early release of the 105 fishing boats belonging to the state fishermen from Sri Lankan custody. <br/><br/>In a letter to the Ministry, he said the boats cost about Rs 25 lakh each and are being impounded by the neighbouring country for long, exposing them to the precarious weather conditions. <br/><br/>It has led to the gradual decay of the assets, endangering the means of livelihood for the fishermen, he said. Mr Rao also said that 18 fishing boats have been irretrievably damaged and has sought financial aid to their owners to ensure their livelihood.