Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen as a special gesture during PM Narendra Modi’s visit
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Sri Lanka on Sunday released 14 Indian fishermen coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the island nation.
As a special gesture, Sri Lanka on Sunday released at least 14 Indian fishermen, just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a "humane approach" to resolve the long-standing fishermen issue. The matter was a key point of discussion during PM Modi’s meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday.
"We also discussed issues related to fishermen's livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter," Modi said in his media statement after meeting Dissanayake.
"We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats," he said.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨 📢
Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen as goodwill gesture.
PM Modi emplanes for Tamil Nadu from Anuradhapura Airport.
He will later lay the foundation stone and inaugurate development works worth over ₹8,300 crore in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/Ch1OTdZOSc
At least 14 Indian fishermen were released by Sri Lanka as a special gesture, according to reports.
The fishermen issue remains a sensitive and contentious aspect of India-Sri Lanka relations.
Over the years, there have been multiple alleged incidents involving the Sri Lankan Navy using force against Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait, a narrow stretch of water that separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen as a special gesture during PM 's visit pic.twitter.com/5w0NHEaYqx
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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a media briefing on Saturday, said the fishermen issue was discussed in "considerable detail" between the two countries.
"As the prime minister said himself during his remarks, there was an emphasis on the need to adopt a humanitarian and constructive approach to cooperation on these issues because these are ultimately issues that impact the livelihood of fishermen on both sides of the Palk Bay," he said.
"The prime minister emphasised that at the end of the day, it is a daily issue for the fishermen and that certain actions that have been taken in recent times could be reconsidered," Misri said.
The release came as PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held bilateral engagements and jointly inaugurated key infrastructure projects supported by India, including a modernised railway signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura line and the railway track of the Maho-Omanthai line.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders also visited the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, where they offered prayers together, showcasing the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the two nations.
"In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake," PM Modi posted on X, sharing glimpses of the day's events.
In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. pic.twitter.com/Nz2wTizVuO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)Offered prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura with President Dissanayake. It’s a deeply humbling moment to be at one of the most revered sites in Buddhism. It is a living symbol of peace, enlightenment and spiritual continuity. May the teachings of Lord Buddha… pic.twitter.com/sUJ0AG7E5C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)Some more glimpses from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. pic.twitter.com/V4JT4tgLIh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)During his visit, PM Modi also met Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, underlining the cross-party support in Colombo for what he described as the "special partnership" between India and Sri Lanka. His outreach was widely viewed as a signal of India’s intent to engage with the entirety of Sri Lanka’s political landscape, beyond just the current government.
The visit, Modi’s first to Sri Lanka since 2019, comes shortly after his participation in the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. In a notable highlight of the trip, Sri Lanka conferred its highest civilian honour—the Mitra Vibhushana—on PM Modi. Describing it as a "milestone" in bilateral ties, Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said the award reflects Colombo’s recognition of India’s consistent support, especially during times of economic and humanitarian crises.
“India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy continues to be a pillar of regional cooperation, and today’s events—including the fishermen’s release—are a testament to that spirit,” Hemachandra said.
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