Sri Lanka reiterates warning on Indian fishermen

Sri Lanka on Friday reiterated its warning that Indian fishermen who violate its maritime border and illegally fish within its waters will be arrested.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mahinda Amaraweera said the navy had been ordered to arrest the Indian fishermen and confiscate their boats if they stray into Sri Lankan waters.

The warning came just days after a media report revealed that over 100 fishermen from India's Tamil Nadu state will meet Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to demand uninterrupted fishing rights in Sri Lankan waters.

Amaraweera said the government had told the navy to arrest Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters, and a request by Indian fishermen to enter Sri Lankan waters for 83 days had also been denied.

"We do not hope to fulfill this request even in the future," Amaraweera said.

Sri Lanka and India have been trying to resolve the longstanding row between their fishermen.