The fishermen had staged a protest demanding that authorities initiate action to prevent fisheries resources from being exploited by foreigners, local media reported.

About 23 fisheries organizations have handed over a petition to the Government Agent of Mullaitivu, N. Vedanayagan following the protest.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy earlier in the week arrested 37 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.

Indian fishermen, mainly from Tamil Nadu, illegally poaching in large scale with trawlers in Sri Lanka's waters, have become a serious threat to the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen.