The Government of India yesterday (Oct. 13) released ten more Sri Lankan fishermen who were detained by the Indian Coastal Guard Force.

The fishermen were released after acceding to a request made by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development in Sri Lanka. The fishermen were handed over to Sri Lanka Navy in Kankasanthurai. Ten fishing trawlers were also handed over to the Navy along with the fishermen.

There are only 46 fishermen and fishing trawlers detained in India. Out of them, five fishermen detained in Orissa State have been released and they will return to the country as soon as they get permission to travel to Sri Lanka, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry said.

Also, steps have been taken to bring the rest of the fishermen and trawlers to the country, the Ministry said.