Colombo — The Indian High Commission in Colombo on Thursday denied media reports alleging Indian Coast Guard personnel attacked Sri Lankan fishermen at sea on January 29, 2026. In a press release it said, “On our side, we have ascertained and can confirm that no such assault was inflicted by any Indian Navy or Indian Coast Guard personnel.” The statement added that India has consistently promoted a humanitarian approach to fishermen’s livelihoods and said force should not be used.
Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekeran said on February 2 that a protest would be lodged with the Indian government and that the Indian High Commission had been informed. Sri Lankan accounts say three trawlers carrying 12 fishermen sailed from the Wellamankaraya harbour at Wennappuva on January 29 and were allegedly attacked by Indian Coast Guard vessels.
The Sri Lanka Navy deployed a vessel to bring ashore four fishermen described as badly injured, and another craft recovered six more who were injured, naval spokesman Buddika Sampath said. Tyronne Mendis of the fishermen’s association said all three trawlers were attacked and that two of them were inside Sri Lankan waters when the incidents occurred. He also said the Sri Lanka Navy had been unable to prevent the alleged attacks.
The Indian High Commission’s categorical denial and Sri Lankan claims set up a dispute that officials on both sides are addressing through diplomatic and governmental channels.
