Sri Lanka releases 14 Indian fishermen as a special gesture during PM Narendra Modi’s visit

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.

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.

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.

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.