Colombo: Sri Lanka today said it is waiting for India's response on the resumption of talks between fishing delegations from the two countries to resolve the politically sensitive fishermen issue.
“We await a request and waiting to respond on the prospect of future talks in order to come for a settlement,” Fisheries Ministry spokesman Narendra Rajapaksa said.
On March 12, Sri Lanka had issued orders to release Indian fishermen, arrested for allegedly poaching in Lankan waters, ahead of the talks that was earlier scheduled for March 13 and later for March 25, but could not be held.
The order by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa came last Friday, a day after India abstained at a US-sponsored resolution against Colombo at the UNHRC.
“We know that the talks could not be held on March 13 and 25. As per the President's order only 40 fishermen and 18 boats are remaining to be released. When that happens there will be no Indian fishermen under our custody, Rajapaksa added.
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