New Delhi: The 22 years old Indian fisherman was shot dead on Monday while he was fishing in a mechanized boat a short distance off Katchatheevu islet.
The foreign ministry said, “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 (Ranil Wickremesinghe). The Sri Lankan navy has promised a full and thorough investigation”.
Sri Lankan navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Chaminda Walakuluge in Colombo categorically denied any involvement of its navy in the fisherman’s killing, saying the navy did not open fire at poaching fishermen and only arrested them.
The Sri Lankan foreign ministry stated, “The initial investigations had indicated that the Sri Lankan navy was not involved. 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”.