Chennai: Tamil Nadu chief secretary P Rama Mohana Rao has sought the assistance of Union foreign secretary S Jaishankar in securing the release of 105 fishing boats from Sri Lanka and also assistance to owners of 18 fishing boats damaged in Sri Lankan custody.
These boats were apprehended and impounded in 2014.
Due to prolonged berthing without any proper upkeep, 16 boats were damaged beyond repair and had sunk in Sri Lanka. Another two boats sank while they were engaged in fishing in "traditional waters" and could not be salvaged.
"I request the Union government to suitably compensate the fishermen for their losses and provide necessary assistance to re-build their livelihood. The cost of each fishing boat is around Rs 25 lakh," Rao said in a letter to Jaishankar.
These boats were apprehended and impounded in 2014.
Due to prolonged berthing without any proper upkeep, 16 boats were damaged beyond repair and had sunk in Sri Lanka. Another two boats sank while they were engaged in fishing in "traditional waters" and could not be salvaged.
"I request the Union government to suitably compensate the fishermen for their losses and provide necessary assistance to re-build their livelihood. The cost of each fishing boat is around Rs 25 lakh," Rao said in a letter to Jaishankar.