Lanka court orders release of 31 Indian fishermen

The ruling came after last week's announcement by the Sri Lankan fisheries minister Rajitha Senaratne that Indian fishing trawlers which breach the IMBL in future would be confiscated.

“This problem cannot be solved by arresting fishermen. They are innocent. It is the trawler owners who must be held responsible. They would begin to feel it when boats are confiscated,” Senaratne said.