Eight Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

Sri Lanka Navy has said it has arrested 8 Indian fishermen and seized their trawler for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

A navy statement issued on Wednesday said a naval ship apprehended the fishermen along with the trawler, 16 nautical miles off Arippu area last evening.

It said the fishermen were subjected to a medical test before they were handed over to the fisheries department in Puttalam for onward action.

The arrests came after another 27 fishermen were arrested earlier this month.

Sri Lankan government has been releasing Indian fishermen on humanitarian grounds from time to time but has brought tougher laws earlier this year in a bid to penalize the boat owners.