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Sri Lanka seeks release of abducted fishermen
06 Feb, 2012
Sri Lanka has sought assistance to secure the release of six fishermen held captive by Somali pirates.
The government information department said that the Sri Lankan authorities are negotiating with the pirates through an intermediary.
The pirates have demanded US$ 6 million for the release of the fishermen after they were taken captive by the pirates in the Indian Ocean last year.
The pirates have contacted the family members of the abducted fishermen and demanded the ransom and also assured that the fishermen are in good health.
?After talking to the leader of the pirates Captain Ali and another pirate named Mohamed Hussain, they have said there is a possibility of getting the ransom amount reduced,? the government said.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said every attempt will be made to secure the release of the fishermen and their vessel.
The External Affairs Ministry said that the Sri Lankan embassies in Kenya and Egypt have been advised on the measures that need to be taken to secure the release of the six fishermen.
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