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Fishermen’s families appeal against fine
By Marisa de Silva
The British High Commission has forwarded the letter of appeal given by the families of the nine Sri Lankan fishermen detained in Diego Garcia, to the relevant judicial authorities there for consideration.

The families of the fisherman from Matara handed over to the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, a letter of appeal requesting the release of the fishermen and the waiving of the large fine of £6000 (Rs. 1.11 million). In turn, the Director General of Consular Affairs I. Ansar had forwarded the letter to the British High Commission.

The nine fishermen who were detained in Diego Garcia three weeks ago, for fishing without a licence and the unlawful import of cannabis into the British Indian Ocean Territory are serving a six-week custodial sentence, commencing from their date of arrival at Diego Garcia, on August 17.

A magistrate who heard the case imposed the fine of £6000 on the fishermen has said that if the fishermen failed to pay the fine within 30 days, they will have to surrender their vessel, navigational equipment and other fishing gear.
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