April 05, Colombo (LNW): Six Sri Lankan fishermen who had been held in Bangladesh for several months have now returned home, following sustained diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
The group, who had been in custody since July last year after their vessel reportedly strayed into foreign waters, arrived in Sri Lanka in the early hours of 2 April. They landed at Bandaranaike International Airport aboard a flight operated by FitsAir.
Officials stated that their release was secured through continuous engagement by Sri Lanka’s diplomatic mission in Dhaka, working closely with Bangladeshi authorities. The move has been described as a reflection of the cordial ties and mutual understanding shared between the two nations.
The fishermen had been travelling on a multi-day fishing expedition when they were intercepted. Their prolonged detention had raised concerns among families and local fishing communities back home, prompting appeals for government intervention.
Authorities confirmed that the repatriation process involved coordination between several state institutions, including consular officials, fisheries authorities, and diplomatic representatives stationed in Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka has since conveyed its gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for facilitating the release, noting that such cooperation underscores the importance of regional goodwill, particularly in resolving issues affecting livelihoods at sea.