February 05, Colombo (LNW): The Indian High Commission in Colombo has firmly rejected allegations that members of the Indian Coast Guard were involved in an attack on Sri Lankan fishermen at sea on January 29, stating that its own inquiries have found no basis for such claims.
In a statement issued after reports surfaced in sections of the media, the High Commission said it had reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident and confirmed that neither the Indian Navy nor the Indian Coast Guard carried out any assault on Sri Lankan fishing crews on the date in question.
Reiterating India’s long-standing position, the High Commission stressed that issues linked to fishermen’s livelihoods should always be addressed through humanitarian and non-violent means, adding that the use of force is not endorsed under any circumstances. It also noted that Indian authorities remain in regular contact with the Sri Lankan government to address maritime and fisheries-related concerns.
The response follows complaints by a group of Sri Lankan fishermen who alleged that 12 individuals travelling on two fishing boats departing from the Wellamankaraya Fishery Harbour in Wennappuwa were assaulted while at sea. According to their account, the incident occurred as they were returning to Sri Lanka after fishing in international waters, and they claimed the encounter took place within Sri Lanka’s maritime zone.
Meanwhile, President of the All-Island Multi-Day Boat Owners’ Association, Tyrone Mendis, has called on the authorities to carry out an open and impartial investigation. He further alleged that three vessels were involved in the incident, asserting that at least two were within Sri Lankan territorial waters and claiming that foreign coast guard personnel had crossed the maritime boundary.
Officials on both sides have indicated that dialogue and verification mechanisms remain in place as efforts continue to clarify the facts surrounding the incident.
