Date:07/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/07/stories/2007100758371000.htm

National

Sri Lanka conveys their concern

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The concern of Sri Lankan authorities over the death of Canicius Fernando, shot by a prison guard in Madurai on Friday, was communicated to the State government through diplomatic channels.

An officer from the Deputy High Commission for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Southern India has been deputed to travel to Madurai, with the concurrence of the State government, and address the issue with the local authorities. He left for Madurai on the night of October 5. In addition, pursuant to instructions from authorities in Sri Lanka, legal assistance has also been secured to protect the interests of the family of the deceased, according to a release from the Deputy High Commission.

Fernando, a representative of the All Ceylon Fisher People’s Trade Union for Migrant Fishermen in Sri Lanka, was in Chennai on behalf of the owner of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel which was apprehended by Indian authorities on June 13. On his arrival, Fernando visited the Mission and was issued a letter to enable him to carry out logistical arrangements on behalf of the owner of the fishing vessel, the release said.