Fishermen issue will be taken up with Sri Lanka: Narayanasamy

Sri Lanka Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa visiting New Delhi later this week

India would take up the issue of Indian fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan jails during the visit of Defence Secretary of the island nation Gotabaya Rajapaksa to New Delhi later this week, Union Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy said today.

Talking to reporters here, Narayanasamy said the Centre had initiated several steps to secure the release of 32 fishermen of Karaikal and neighbouring areas, who have been lodged in Trincomalee prison since July 30.

"The Union government will hold a detailed discussion with Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakha during his visit to New Delhi later this week. We are looking for a permanent solution to the problems faced by Indian fishermen," he said, adding, the government would also stress for the immediate release of 32 fishermen along with their boats.

Narayanasamy said the Centre was also taking steps for arranging talks between the fishermen of India and Sri Lanka to find a solution to the problems in fishing in Palk Straits.