Sri Lanka released 14 Indian fishermen during a major gesture on Sunday, amid a major gesture that highlighted the growth of bilateral goodwill.
The press release was discussed in detail earlier Saturday between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which fishermen were arrested.
“We discussed the issue of fishermen. We agree that we should move forward in a humane way. We stressed the immediate release of fishermen and boats back,” the Prime Minister said in a joint press conference.
Sri Lankan authorities arrested Indian fishermen, mainly from Tamil Nadu, for alleged poaching in Sri Lankan waters, a recurring tension.
Since early 2025, Sri Lankan troops have arrested 119 Indian fishermen and 16 fishing boats, raising concerns among coastal communities and prompting repeated calls for intervention.
“We were told that the Sri Lankan authorities have decided to release 111 fishermen, perhaps more fishermen in the coming days,” Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said in a press conference after the conversation.
“This is a topic that has been discussed in great detail between the two sides. As the Prime Minister said in his speech, it was stressed that a humanitarian and constructive approach to cooperation was needed on these issues, as these issues ultimately affect the livelihoods of fishermen on both sides,” Misri added.
During the visit to PM Modi, a series of key diplomatic and development involvement included a series of key diplomatic and development activities for Indian-backed railway projects, including Indian-backed railway projects such as the upgraded Maho-Momanthai railway tracks and the newly built Maho-Anuradhapura segment.
In historic stance, Prime Minister Modi also received the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Award, one of the highest civilian honors in the island country.
This honor recognizes not only India’s strong support for Sri Lanka, but also PM Modi’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
On Saturday, the two leaders also witnessed the signing and exchange of multiple memorandums of understanding (MOUS) across various sectors including infrastructure, energy and development cooperation.
On Saturday night, President Disayak held a state banquet in the president’s House of Representatives in honor of Prime Minister Modi’s president.
The Sri Lankan president said the visit will further expand the path of cooperation and deepen the friendship between the two peoples.
President Dissanayake said: “We are known for our hospitality and we extend a warm welcome to all visitors. In particular, I remember our friends from Palk Straits receiving with the greatest warmth and affection.”
He further said: “We want to see citizens of your country constantly visiting this wonderful island where they will meet a passionate community.”
The Sri Lankan president added: “We sincerely convey our heartfelt desire to achieve the good health of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the continued progress and prosperity of Indian citizens, as well as the strengthening of cooperation and friendship between our two countries.”
