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Sri Lankan Navy Detains 22 TN Fishermen, Sparking Community Unrest

The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 22 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized four of their boats in two separate incidents near the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait. The arrests have caused significant unrest and tension within the fishing communities of Rameswaram and Mandapam. In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate action to repatriate fishermen recently released by a Sri Lankan court but still held due to procedural delays. The letter details a recent case where 12 fishermen were tried, with three receiving prison sentences and fines.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Navy Detains 22 Indian Fishermen, TN CM Writes to Jaishankar

  • 22 fishermen detained
  • 4 boats seized
  • CM Stalin writes to EAM Jaishankar
  • Repatriation delays cited
  • Tension in fishing communities
2 min read

Unrest among fishing community in Rameshwaram after Sri Lankan Navy detains 22 fishermen

Sri Lankan Navy arrests 22 Tamil Nadu fishermen, seizes boats. CM MK Stalin writes to EAM S Jaishankar seeking urgent repatriation of detained fishermen.

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

Rameswaram, February 19

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."

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin penned a letter to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Saturday, urging immediate action to facilitate the return of Tamil Nadu fishermen released by the Sri Lankan court to their homeland. The letter detailed the Jaffna Court proceedings against the Tamil Nadu fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, seeking to draw attention to a judgment delivered by the Sri Lankan Court in the case.

"The Jaffna Court tried a total of twelve fishermen on 03.02.2026 - three from Mandapam, who were taken into custody on 28.12.2025, and nine from Mayiladuthurai, apprehended on 03.01.2026. Following the proceedings, three boat drivers were sentenced to six months' rigorous imprisonment and were each imposed a fine of LKR 11.60 lakh, with an additional three months' imprisonment in the event of default. The remaining nine fishermen were ordered to be released and were subsequently transferred to the Minihana Detention Centre on 05.02.2026," the letter stated.

The letter further highlighted that due to delays in completing the repatriation formalities, the released fishermen remain in custody.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The recurring nature of these incidents is very concerning. While I fully support our fishermen, is there also a need for better awareness about maritime boundaries? A dual approach of diplomatic pressure and community education might help. Thoughts?
M
Michael C
Reading from abroad. The fines mentioned are astronomical for poor fishermen. LKR 11.60 lakh is a life-crushing amount. This seems excessively punitive. Hope the MEA can negotiate their release and waive these unfair penalties.
S
Suresh O
CM Stalin writing to Jaishankar is the right step. But we need permanent solutions, not just firefighting after each arrest. The fishing community in Tamil Nadu has suffered for decades. Time for a lasting treaty or understanding.
A
Anjali F
Imagine the tension in those families! Their loved ones are detained in a foreign land. The bureaucracy and "repatriation formalities" need to be fast-tracked. Every day of delay is mental torture for them. 🙏
K
Karthik V
This is also an economic issue. Seizing boats destroys livelihoods. These boats are their only asset. The government should provide immediate aid to the affected families while working diplomatically.

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