Eight Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

A navy statement issued on Wednesday said a naval ship apprehended the  fishermen along with the trawler, 16 nautical miles off Arippu area last evening.

It said the fishermen were subjected to a medical test before they were handed over to the fisheries department in Puttalam for onward action.

The arrests came after another 27 fishermen were arrested earlier this month.

Sri Lankan government has been releasing Indian fishermen on humanitarian grounds from time to time but has brought tougher laws earlier this year in a bid to penalize the boat owners.