Fisherman shot dead by SL Navy

In the wake of the killing of an Indian Tamil fisherman allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy on Monday night following which an angry India demanded a probe, Sri Lanka on Tuesday announced that “initial investigations indicate that the Sri Lanka Navy is not involved in the alleged incident”.

India on Tuesday morning said it was “deeply concerned” and that the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo has taken up the matter with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe adding that “the Sri Lankan Navy has promised a full and thorough investigation” into the incident. Colombo, in turn, said that “if in fact a shooting has taken place, it is a matter of grave concern”, adding that “the Government of Sri Lanka is firm in its commitment to ensuring that all Government agencies treat all Indian fishermen in a humane manner at all times”. There were also reports that a Sri Lankan Naval officer too denied the allegations, maintaining that Sri Lankan naval boats are “not authorised to shoot” at Indian fishermen.

In a statement from New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “The Government of India is deeply concerned at the killing of an Indian fisherman. Our High Commissioner to Sri Lanka has taken up the matter with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Navy has promised a full and thorough investigation.”

In a statement from Colombo, Sri Lanka said, “The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the alleged shooting on Indian fishermen, and the connected loss of life of one fisherman and injury caused to another. The safety of fishermen is of utmost importance and the Government of Sri Lanka is firm in its commitment to ensuring that all Government agencies treat all Indian fishermen in a humane manner at all times. Initial investigations indicate that the Sri Lanka Navy is not involved in this alleged incident. Irrespective of the parties involved, if in fact a shooting has taken place, it is a matter of grave concern, and all possible action will be taken, in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities, to investigate into this incident, utilising GPS technology as well.”

Initial investigations indicate that the Sri Lanka Navy is not involved in this alleged incident. Irrespective of the parties involved, if in fact a shooting has taken place, it is a matter of grave concern — STATEMENT FROM SRI LANKA