23 fishermen from Tamil Nadu arrested by Sri Lankan navy have been released. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said this in New Delhi today that directions have been given to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka to make all arrangements for the safe return of the fishermen.

Mr. Krishna said this in reply to a question from the media during a Joint Press conference with the visiting Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Marty Natalegawa.

Mr. Krishna also thanked the Srilankan government for the release of the fishermen.

Our Colombo correspondent reports that Srilankan court this morning ordered the release of the fishermen. They are set to leave back home later in the day.

These fishermen were arrested last week for illegally entering in Srilankan water.