Indian High Commission Firmly Rejects Sri Lankan Allegations of Coast Guard Attack
The Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued a strong denial regarding allegations that Indian Coast Guard personnel assaulted Sri Lankan fisherfolk at sea. In an official statement released on Thursday, the commission labeled these claims as "baseless" and confirmed that after thorough verification, no such incident involving Indian naval or coast guard forces occurred.
Background of the Diplomatic Dispute
The controversy emerged after Sri Lanka's Fisheries Minister, Ramalingam Chandrasekeran, announced on February 2 that Colombo intended to lodge a formal protest with the Indian government over an alleged maritime incident. Minister Chandrasekeran stated that the Indian High Commission had already been notified about these serious allegations, which reportedly took place on January 29, 2026.
Detailed Account of the Alleged Incident
According to Sri Lankan authorities and representatives from local fishermen's associations, three trawlers carrying twelve fishermen departed from the Wellamankaraya fishing harbour in Wennappuva, located on Sri Lanka's northwestern coast. It was claimed that these vessels were attacked at sea by personnel from the Indian Coast Guard.
Sri Lanka Navy spokesperson Commander Buddika Sampath reported that naval vessels were deployed to rescue injured fisherfolk. Initial reports indicated that four individuals sustained serious injuries, with six others also hurt during the alleged confrontation. Tyronne Mendis, an official from a fishermen's association, asserted that two of the three trawlers were operating within Sri Lankan territorial waters when the incident supposedly occurred. He further alleged that the Sri Lankan Navy was unable to intervene to prevent the attack.
India's Official Response and Diplomatic Stance
In its comprehensive statement, the Indian High Commission acknowledged taking note of media reports concerning the alleged January 29 incident. After conducting proper verification procedures, the commission categorically stated: "We can confirm that no such assault was inflicted by any Indian Navy or Indian Coast Guard personnel."
The commission reiterated India's consistent position on fishermen-related issues, emphasizing that such matters should be addressed through humanitarian approaches rather than force. According to PTI reports, the statement reinforced that under no circumstances should force be employed in resolving fishing disputes between the two neighboring nations.
Broader Implications for Bilateral Relations
This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding fishing rights and maritime boundaries between India and Sri Lanka. While the Indian government maintains its denial of any wrongdoing, the planned protest from Sri Lanka indicates potential diplomatic tensions that may require careful navigation through established bilateral channels.
The situation underscores the importance of clear communication and verification mechanisms between the two countries' maritime security forces to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into more significant diplomatic challenges.
