Sri Lankan navy has arrested four Indian fishermen along with their boat for allegedly breaching the International maritime boundary line and illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters. <br />'' <br />'' A navy statement issued today said the arrests were made in Sri Lankan territorial waters in the sea, off the Kovilam lighthouse yesterday. It said the fishermen will be handed over to the Assistant Director of fisheries in Jaffna for onward action. <br />'' <br />'' The statement added that as a result of continuous patrols conducted by the Navy, the number of Indian fishing trawlers that are trespassing the Sri Lankan territorial waters has significantly reduced. <br />'' <br />'' Sri Lankan navy has been making such arrests from time to time and the fishermen are released after warning with a legal process. <br />''  

Four Indian fishermen were arrested today by the Sri Lankan navy near Naina Island for alleged encroachment of Lankan waters. A statement issued by the Sri Lankan Navy said three boats were also seized by the navy personnel. The fishermen have been handed over to fisheries department in Jaffna for further legal action. The latest arrests are the first after release of 77 fishermen from Sri Lankan prisons late last month.<br/><br/>Both countries have been trying to solve the issue of fishermen through regular consultations. A delegation of fishermen from Sri Lanka will be visiting India in coming days followed by visit of country's Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera to New Delhi later this month to arrive at a permanent solution to the issue. Minister of External affairs Sushma Swaraj also reviewed the situation in a meeting last month with all stake holders.