A group of fifteen Sri Lankan fishermen, previously arrested by Myanmar coast guards, have been repatriated to Sri Lanka, marking the end of their ordeal.
These fishermen, who had been held captive in Myanmar prisons, were released and arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday morning.
However, their return journey took an unexpected turn upon arrival at Katunayake airport, where they were apprehended by officers from the human trafficking, smuggling investigation, and Maritime crime investigation division.
The fishermen, hailing from Katuneriya, Maravilla, Uswetakeiyawa, and Kurunegala areas, were aged between 18 to 50 years old.
Reports indicate that seven fishermen departed for a fishing expedition from Wennappuwa on October 23, 2023, while the remaining eight set sail from Kalpitiya, Puttalam, on November 07, 2023.
Their vessels encountered technical issues at sea, leading to them drifting aimlessly until intercepted by Myanmar coast guard officials.
The fishermen were transported from Myanmar aboard Thai airline flight T.G -307, arriving yesterday in the early hours.
Upon their return, they faced legal scrutiny for allegedly departing the country through an unrecognized port. Consequently, they were charged and produced before the Negombo Magistrate courts, where they were subsequently released on bail.
