On 2024-02-06, a special discussion was held at the Ministry of Fisheries, to look into the ways to bring the Fishermen and the “Lorenzo Putha -4” vessel that was abducted by Somalian pirates, back to Sri Lanka.
Currently, the vessel and the fishermen are under the custody of the government of Seychelles and they are safe in the vessel, but they are unable to cook their food in the boat. The owner of the vessel Mr. Milroy Perera said that the fishermen face difficulties since they have no money to bring their food from outside, and he has to spend nearly 1.5 Million rupees on fuel to bring the vessel back to Sri Lanka, and he is not in a position to spend such a big amount. He added that he anticipates relief from the Ministry and he could settle that amount by selling the stock of fish that is in the vessel.
The Minister contacted the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Mission in Seychelles over the phone and took measures to provide all the necessary facilities to the Fishermen. The Minister also said that discussions with banks are underway to provide the necessary funds to bring the vessel back to Sri Lanka, and instructed his Media Secretary Mr. Nelson Edirisinghe to discuss with the bank and arrange funds, since the owner of the vessel has already obtained a loan. Acting on the instructions of the Minister, the Media Secretary stated that he would discuss with the heads of the bank and try to arrange funds to bring the vessels back to Sri Lanka.
On the 27th of January, this vessel was abducted, while it was fishing in the International waters with 6 fishermen on board, and as per the request made to the Government of Seychelles, with the involvement of the Fisheries Minister, State Minister, higher officials of the Department of Fisheries and the Navy, the vessel and the fishermen were rescued unharmed. The owner of the vessel thanked the Minister, the State Minister and the higher officials for taking immediate actions to rescue the Vessel and the Fishermen.
State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha, secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Miss. Nayana Kumari Somarathne, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Mr. Susantha Kahawaththa, and the owner of the vessel Mr. Milroy Perera and his family members attended the event.
