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11 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Freed from Sri Lanka Return Home to Chennai

Eleven Tamil Nadu fishermen have returned to Chennai after being released from a Sri Lankan prison, where they were held since their arrest in July 2025 for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary. Their release followed diplomatic efforts, including appeals from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to the central government. However, tensions persist as the Sri Lankan Navy reportedly detained another 22 Indian fishermen and seized four boats in separate incidents just a day before the released men returned. These ongoing arrests continue to create unrest within the fishing communities of Rameswaram and Mandapam.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Fishermen Released from Sri Lanka Return to India

  • 11 fishermen released and returned
  • Arrested for alleged maritime boundary violation
  • CM Stalin sought Central intervention
  • New detentions of 22 fishermen reported
  • Issue causes ongoing bilateral tension
2 min read

11 Tamil Nadu fishermen return to Chennai after release from Sri Lanka

11 Indian fishermen return to Chennai after release from Sri Lankan prison. Details on their arrest, diplomatic efforts, and new detentions.

"The detentions have led to tension among families and boat owners in Rameswaram and Mandapam. - CR Senthilvel"

Chennai, February 19

11 Tamil Nadu fishermen, who were released from a prison in Sri Lanka, returned to Chennai by flight on Thursday.

The fishermen landed at Chennai airport from Colombo on an IndiGo Airlines passenger flight. Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department received them and arranged vehicles to send them to their native districts of Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai.

Of the 11 fishermen, four belonged to Ramanathapuram district, while seven are from Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai. On July 23, 2025, they had ventured into the sea in a mechanised boat for fishing.

During the early hours, a Sri Lankan naval patrol vessel intercepted their boat. The Sri Lankan authorities alleged that the fishermen had crossed the maritime boundary and were fishing in Sri Lankan waters. All 11 were arrested.

Authorities also seized their fishing nets, the catch and the mechanised boat. The fishermen were later produced before a court in Sri Lanka and were imprisoned.

Following their arrest, the families of these fishermen had appealed to the government seeking steps for their release. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting intervention.

Officials of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka held discussions with Sri Lankan authorities. A Sri Lankan court subsequently ordered the release of the fishermen, and they were handed over to Indian High Commission officials.

Medical examinations were conducted, and Emergency Certificates were issued before arrangements were made for their return to India.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 22 Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized four fishing boats in two separate incidents on Wednesday, triggering unrest among the fishing community, according to the Vice President of the National Fishermen Association, CR Senthilvel.

Speaking to ANI, Senthilvel said, "While more than 450 fishing boats from Rameswaram had gone out to sea yesterday, they were fishing in the Gulf of Mannar between Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar when the Sri Lankan Navy arrived in the area and arrested three fishing boats from Rameswaram and 18 fishermen from them, claiming that they had fished across the border."

Senthilvel further informed that in a separate incident, a boat from Mandapam was intercepted near Neduntheevu in the Palk Strait. Four fishermen on board were taken into custody, and the boat was seized for inquiry. Senthilvel said, "The detentions have led to tension among families and boat owners in Rameswaram and Mandapam."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Thank God they are back. Can't imagine the trauma their families went through for months. The state and central governments worked well together this time to secure their release. Hope the same urgency is shown for the 22 fishermen detained just now.
M
Michael C
While I'm glad for their return, this is a complex issue. Both countries have legitimate concerns - livelihoods for Indian fishermen and resource protection for Sri Lanka. Sustained diplomatic dialogue is the only way forward, not just reactive measures after each arrest.
S
Senthilvel
As someone from the community, this news is bittersweet. Yes, 11 are back, but 22 more are in custody. The Palk Strait is our traditional fishing ground. The governments need to sit down and finalize the boundary once and for all. This uncertainty is killing us.
A
Anjali F
The real heroes are the families who kept the pressure on. Their appeals and protests made the government act. Welcome back to all the fishermen! 🎉 Now, please provide them some compensation for their lost boat and nets. They have suffered enough financial loss.
K
Karthik V
This happens too often. Is there no technology available to warn our fishermen when they are nearing the maritime boundary? A simple GPS alert system on their boats could prevent so many of these incidents. Prevention is better than diplomatic rescue missions.

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