There was a tense situation in Vadamarachchi on Monday after Sri Lankan police threatened local fishermen, who had apprehended eight Sinhala fishermen engaged in illegal fishing activities, that the Special Task Force (STF) would be called unless the men were handed over.
The local fishermen demanded that authorities find a solution to stop illegal fishing before the men were handed over.
Last month there were prolonged protests in Mullaitivu after local fishermen accused police of releasing sinhala fishermen without charge despite clear evidence presented to them of their illegal fishing activities.
Mullaitivu fishermen have also protested over government officials accepting bribes to turn a blind eye to illegal activities.
