The last batch of 51 Indian fishermen in custody of Sri Lanka left for home this morning. These fishermen were taken from Thalaimannar by the Sri Lanka Navy and will be handed over to the Indian Coast Guard later in the day.

Earlier yesterday, a batch of 36 Indian fishermen who were arrested on Sunday, were handed over by the Lankan Navy to the Indian Coast Guard Ship “Raj Kamal” at the International Maritime Boundary Line, off Kankesanthurei.

The release of these fishermen was ordered by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a goodwill gesture on Tuesday.

In a Tweet, the President said he hoped India will also release the Sri Lankan fishermen in their custody as a reciprocal measure.