Foreign mediation urged to rescue fishermen from Somali pirates

A deputy minister has called upon international powers to intervene to secure the release of six Sri Lankan fishermen from Somali pirates.

Deputy Minister of State Resources and Enterprise Development Sarath Kumara Gunaratna who was elected to parliament from the Negombo district told BBC Sandeshaya that the release can be secured ‘only with the mediation of powerful states’.

Rights activists have urged the government of Sri Lanka to intervene without delay to save the fishermen’s lives.

Boat owner Nihal Fernando told Prasad Purnamal Jayamanne of BBC Sandeshaya that Somali pirates are demanding a million dollars each for the release of fishermen abducted three months ago.

“The pirates threatened to shoot them and make us hear the gunfire by phone if the money is not paid by Friday,” the boat owner said.

The World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP) accuses the government of not taking appropriate steps for the release

The World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP) accuses the government of not taking appropriate steps for the release.

“It is the responsibility of the government to assure the safety of all its citizens,” said Herman Kumara of WFFP attending a prayer vigil for the abducted fishermen held on Thursday. The six fishermen left Negombo last September for multi-day fishing, but contact with the vessel was lost after one month.

Boat owner Fernando says that the loss was informed to government officials on October 26 last year.