Freed lankan fishermen await repatriation

HYDERABAD: Thirty-five Sri Lankan fishermen, arrested on charges of illegal fishing in Indian waters and released after their cases were disposed of, are awaiting repatriation orders to head back home.“The Sri Lankan fishermen were apprehended over a period of time by the Coast Guard under different cases and produced in courts in Visakhapatnam and other cities.They were convicted and asked to pay fines which they did and were released," marine police officials said on Sunday.The 35 fishermen, who got back their nine boats, have been staying in rented accommodation in Kakinada since last week of July.They , however, are still under surveillance."We are waiting for repatriation orders from the ministries of external affairs and home.After getting the orders they will be sent back to Sri Lanka," a senior marine police officer said.