Sri Lanka frees 14 fishermen after stern warning

RAMANATHAPURAM: The Sri Lankan navy apprehended 14 fishermen from Rames­waram mid-sea for allegedly trespassing the international maritime boundary line on Monday. They were, however, released after a stern warning.Some outboard engine-fitted country boats had set out to sea from Rameswaram on Sunday. However, the fishermen were subsequently surrounded by the Lankan navy. Fourteen fishermen were apprehended by the Lankan navy, which took them its country along with their country boats.Boats’ owner Kani told fisheries officials about it, who said there was a restriction on country boats on the distance they could travel in sea. The fishermen had gone beyond the restricted distance, despite surveillance by the Indian navy and the Indian Coast Guard. The fishermen were released with a stern warning against trespassing into Lankan waters.