Maldives releases Sri Lankan fishermen

The Maldives government has agreed to release crew members of four Sri Lankan fishing boats seized from the country’s territorial waters.

The decision was revealed by former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa following a meeting with the Maldives foreign minister in Colombo.

The four fishing boats were held by the coastguard in late February and March near the the northernmost Haa Alif atoll. The 25 fishermen onboard were arrested on charges of violating the country’s maritime border.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid gave assurances of their release during an official visit on Wednesday.