Colombo: Sri Lanka says it has arrested 25 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing in its territorial waters, just days after the two countries' fisheries ministers agreed to cooperate in combating poaching following the release of 52 detained fishermen by each side.
Navy spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya says the fishermen were arrested Monday night in the island's northern seas and were handed over to fisheries officials who will initiate legal action against them.
Poaching has become a contentious issue between the two countries.
A total of 256 Indian and 129 Sri Lankan fishermen are currently detained.
