Twenty-five Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels stranded in waters near India due to adverse weather conditions were granted permission yesterday (27) to enter Indian waters for safety reasons. The permission was granted following a special request made by the Sri Lankan Government to the Indian Government through the Indian High Commission in Colombo. 

The Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry has taken this step to ensure the safety of the fishing vessels remaining in waters near India amid the developing cyclonic storm Arnab over the Bay of Bengal. The vessels have also been instructed to immediately move away from the affected sea areas and proceed to safe locations, in accordance with advisories issued by the Meteorology Department.

Meanwhile, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department has taken steps to officially inform all vessel owners operating in the relevant sea areas of the procedures that they should follow in response to the prevailing situation. The Ministry has further urged the entire fishing community to remain vigilant and closely monitor upcoming weather warnings and advisories.