Nearly 5 months ago “Lorenzo Putha” a multiday fishing vessel that sailed from the Chilaw Sea area to the Arabian Sea was captured by Somalian pirates and later on it was rescued by Seychelles Coast Guards.

With the intervention of the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda negotiations were held with the Government of Seychelles and the vessel and the fishermen were released. Two weeks ago the vessel started sailing towards Sri Lanka and reached Dhikovita Fisheries Harbour on 23-06-2024. On arrival, the Sri Lanka Navy recorded statements from them and released them and the vessel.

The fishermen left for their homes with their relatives who had come to receive them. The relatives stated that the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda listened to their request and intervened to release them from the custody of the Government of Seychelles. They also stated that the Minister drew the attention of the Cabinet in this regard, prepared a cabinet paper, and forwarded it to the Government of Seychelles undertaking all the responsibilities, and requested the Seychelles government to release the vessel and the fishermen. Accordingly, the vessel and the fishermen were released. They further stated that the Minister intervened to provide support and assistance to the fishermen who were in the custody of the Seychelles Government and they would like to express their gratitude to the Minister.